Maintaining a rental property requires more than just a good coat of paint and functional locks on the outside doors. There are several aspects of the Alberta Building Code and the Safety Codes Act that landlords are expected to comply with. When it comes to the home’s electrical system, it’s important to know exactly what you’re responsible for in order to ensure the safety and comfort of your tenants.
Electrical Service
If the cost of electricity is not included in the rent, your renter is responsible for setting up an electrical service provider for the property. It is then up to them to maintain payments and be the main point of contact for that utility service. In the case that you, as the landlord, are including the cost of electricity in the monthly rental payments, the responsibility for setting up service and maintaining payments is yours. It is then your obligation to keep up on those monthly payments so that your tenants may receive uninterrupted service for however long they are living at your rental property.
Minimum Housing and Health Standards
Landlords must also comply with the Minimum Housing and Health Standards put forth by Alberta Health. These standards specify that all outlets, switches, and fixtures must be properly installed and maintained. If any of these electrical units need repair, the issue must be dealt with by the landlord in a timely manner. That being said, if the renter, guest of the renter, or their pet caused the damage, the renter is liable for that repair. Furthermore, any issues caused by the renter, general wear and tear, or otherwise, must be communicated to the landlord as soon as possible.
All landlords should be familiar with their responsibilities, including those surrounding electrical safety. If you own a rental property or are renting out a portion of your home, ensure that the electrical systems in those tenant-occupied spaces are up-to-date. We can inspect the property and help you maintain an electrical system that is up to code and safe for its occupants. Contact us today!