What to Ask a Landlord

Our lives depend on the safe use of electricity in our homes and apartments. In fact, electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Even what might appear as a minor problem, can lead to fire. If you rent your home or apartment, there are important questions that you should ask of your landlord that will help protect you and your family. Please consider asking your landlord some or all of the following questions.

• When was the last time my residence was inspected by a qualified electrician?
• Has my residence ever experienced an electrical fire?
• What kind of wiring does my residence have?
• Are tenants permitted to do electrical work in their residences?
• Are outlets in the bathrooms, around kitchen countertops, basement, and outdoors protected by a GFCI?
• Who is responsible for testing my GFCI outlets on a monthly basis?
• If I suspect there is a problem with my electrical wiring, who should I contact?
• Am I permitted to contract out to get my own inspection of the electrical system?