Tenant tampering with metering safety?

Hand operating circuit breaker in communal electric meter cupboard with padlock and question mark symbol.

by Readers Question

9:45 AM, 8th October 2025, 7 months ago 4

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Advice Landlord News Landlords Questions

Hi, we have a tenant in arrears who appears to have had previous landlords turn off his electricity.

In our small block, the electric meters are all in one cupboard in the communal hallway. The override switch, which cuts off the electricity supply individually to each flat (so electricians can work there in safety) has been “fitted” with a padlock so it cannot be turned off.

Is this illegal, and whose responsibility is it? He has already been issued a Section 21 after threatening behaviour and we can`t wait to see the back of him.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

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Tags: communal electric meters, electricity meter safety, Landlord responsibilities, section 21, Tenant Arrears, tenant tampering

Comments

Jim K

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 183

10:48 AM, 8th October 2025, About 7 months ago

I would have a look at Fire Regulations.

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Ian Narbeth Read Full Bio

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2007 - Articles: 21

11:13 AM, 8th October 2025, About 7 months ago

Ask the freeholder/managing agents to break the padlock and give notice to all owners and occupiers not to do it.

Unless you have proof it is your tenant, be careful. Warn them that whoever has done this is putting the safety of others in the block in danger. If it is necessary to turn off the power (e.g. if there is a fire) there may be a delay and if the override switch goes off plunging the building or a particular flat into darkness, it will not be possible to turn it on without unlocking the padlock or breaking it.

3 Report Comment Reply
DPT

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1186

2:25 PM, 8th October 2025, About 7 months ago

I may have misunderstood your intentions here, but if you want the padlock removed so that you can cut the supply to the tenants property due to the arrears, then don’t. Its illegal and you will get into serious trouble if you do it.

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Ian Narbeth Read Full Bio

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2007 - Articles: 21

2:31 PM, 8th October 2025, About 7 months ago

Reply to the comment left by DPT at 08/10/2025 – 14:25
I think you have misunderstood. The tenant may have acted pre-emptively because of what a previous landlord did. I don’t think Gary is seeking to cut off the power.

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