Selling Property in 2025
Electrical Faults in Rentals: What Tenants and Landlords Should Know.
Electrical faults aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. If you’re renting and something’s not right with the power, would you know what to do? If not, here’s what you need to know.
The average household in Australia uses between 5,000 and 9,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power each year, according to the Australian Energy Regulator. With that kind of demand, it’s no surprise we depend heavily on electricity — but what happens when something goes wrong?
An electrical fault is any issue in the system that disrupts the normal flow of power. That could mean the power won’t turn on, won’t stay on, or isn’t working safely.
These faults can lead to serious risks — including electric shocks, fires, or damage to appliances — so it’s important to know what to look for and what to do next.
What are some of the common electrical faults in homes?
Short circuits: Happen when live and neutral wires touch, causing a sudden surge of electricity. Often caused by damaged insulation or poor wiring.
Ground faults: Occur when electricity escapes its intended path and flows directly into the ground — usually due to damaged wiring or moisture exposure.
Overloaded circuits: Too many devices on one circuit can push it beyond its limit, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Arc faults: Caused by damaged or loose wiring that generates high-intensity heat — a common culprit behind hidden electrical fires.
Loose wiring: Old or poorly connected wires can cause power to cut in and out, sparking, or overheating — all serious red flags.
What can cause electrical faults?
Electrical faults can stem from a variety of issues, including faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning safety switches. Outdated systems, like old fuse boxes or ageing components, are also common culprits. Poor installation, damaged appliances, moisture, and even pests can lead to faults. In some cases, unqualified DIY work or overuse of power boards and extension leads can create serious risks — making regular checks and proper maintenance essential.
Signs of electrical faults
Electrical issues often come with clear warning signs. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to investigate:
- Flickering, dimming, or fast-burning light bulbs
- Burning smells or scorch marks near outlets and switches
- Warm, discoloured, or sparking power points
- Buzzing or humming sounds from switches or the breaker box
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
- Dead power outlets or sudden outages in certain areas
- Power surges, voltage dips, or unusual fluctuations
- Electrical shocks
- Unexplained spikes in electricity bills
These symptoms can indicate serious underlying problems and shouldn’t be ignored.
So, what should you do if your tenants report there is an electrical fault at your rental?
It’s important to know that dangerous electrical faults are classed as emergency repairs under the Residential Tenancy Act in every state and territory across Australia. That means they must be fixed within set timeframes. Failing to act can land landlords and property managers in legal trouble — and may even void insurance if the fault leads to a claim.
In a serious electrical emergency, like a fire, tenants should evacuate immediately and call 000. If it’s safe, they should also switch off the main power to stop the flow of electricity and help prevent further damage.
If you have been notified of an electrical fault at the rental
If the property is in a strata complex, notify the strata manager. Meanwhile, you should advise tenants to:
- Stay clear of water near electrical faults.
- Keep away from sparking, smoking, or burning outlets, switches, or appliances.
- Turn off power and unplug any affected devices or fixtures.
- Avoid overloading power outlets or using appliances with the wrong wattage.
- Never use outlets or switches that are damaged, warm, discoloured, sparking, or emitting a burning smell.
- Stop using any appliance that sparks, makes strange noises, or works inconsistently.
- Never touch damaged wiring or attempt to locate or fix the fault themselves.
- Stay out of the affected area until it’s safe.
Leave it to the experts:
If a tenant is injured or their belongings are damaged while following your advice, you could be held legally liable. That’s why it’s essential to engage a licensed electrician when dealing with dangerous or recurring electrical issues.
A qualified electrician can carry out a full inspection to find the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs. They have the right tools, training, and can provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety — giving peace of mind that the work has been done safely and to code.
Insurance:
If your property has suffered loss or damage due to an electrical fault, it’s worth getting in touch with your landlord insurance provider to check what’s covered. They’ll be able to explain the process and let you know if a claim is possible.
Coverage often depends on the cause of the fault and whether it resulted in damage. Insurance usually won’t cover the cost of simply identifying or fixing a fault if there’s been no damage — that’s considered part of regular property upkeep.
However, if the fault causes damage — like a fire — a claim may be eligible. Most policies include electrical fires, though exclusions may apply for things like poor workmanship or outdated wiring. In older homes, insurers may require a full rewire before offering cover, so it’s something to keep in mind during inspections or upgrades.
*While we have made every effort to ensure the information above is accurate at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation may affect the accuracy of this article.