How many tenants does it take to change a light bulb?

Reply to the comment left by John and Goodall at 23/05/2023 – 00:20
That’s a good plan. I would have done that if circumstances were different. Also, if your time is money [to some, but not me], then a 3 hour round trip, plus fuel, is less than an electrician.

At times I am at a loss as to how stupid some people are. Can’t change a bulb … I had a tenant just move out and filled the holes in the walls bless them. So, what would have been 2mm holes became 5” wide white spots on every single *king wall. Then in one room they thought they would paint it as well. Most of my tenants are really good and very bright and have owned houses before. But some you do have to ask yourself how they breathe.

Reply to the comment left by Paul at 23/05/2023 – 20:20
LOL

I put up my own picture hooks up so at the end of the tenancy the tenants don’t have the situation of Making Good.

Reply to the comment left by Paul at 23/05/2023 – 20:20
I had one who thought it would be better to cover the lounge wall in Lion print paper… rather than pay her rent!

I apologise that the word “bathroom” did not register – only the phrase “wall fixture.” I think the law is clear that where there is proximity of water (bathroom, kitchen…), all repairs must be by qualified electricians.
I wanted a discussion from our many qualified legal professionals on Lord Denning saying the tenant must act in a tenant like manner.

Reply to the comment left by John and Goodall at 23/05/2023 – 00:20
I tend to ‘sense’ which ones haven’t got a clue – check them in and go over simply stuff (like changing a lightbulb etc, batteries in a thermostat (doesn’t that work by magic?? and topping a boiler up periodically (mind blown for many – a boiler uses actual water???!)).

Explain to them that’s THEIR responsibility. I point the younger ones to Utube in addition.

The really dippy tenant took it all on and asked how will she know which bulb to replace it with, as so many in the shops. Pointed out the bloody obvious of taking the blown one in with you….

Come on evolution – some catching up to do in places…. 😉

I wouldn’t let such a simple task spoil an otherwise good agreement. If my neighbour asked for help I’d give it so why not a tenant? It won’t need an electrician if you believe it’s so simple. Maybe take an opportunity to have a look round too.

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 22/05/2023 – 10:56
It does not necessarily have to be a sealed light fitting in a bathroom. It depends on the zone (ie where the fitting is located in relation to the bath or basin etc)

Surely a normal light fitting , it would be easy to change a lamp. Anything else , instructions should be given . Or consult an electrician. Or change the fittings

Years ago my housing association told me to change the bulb in the outside light. Simple enough task, right?

Firstly, it’s mains voltage with a non-standard bulb

Secondly, the enclosure screw had rusted and it was impossible to open since it was completely seized

Thirdly, the enclosure was above a door. I had to stand on top of a 6 foot fence which was rotten away after 20 years, so it broke.

It sounds a simple task at first, but telling a tenant to work on a seized up fitting at height, with mains voltage, a non-standard bulb, all with absolutely no training on safely working at height or on potentially live electrical systems really isn’t acceptable. A fall is entirely possible and injury could easily result. No one should work 6 feet up with no training and without the correct equipment. Not even a ladder.

Think it over carefully before you decide what to do