Faulty electric wiring claims are legal actions taken by tenants or homeowners when unsafe or poorly maintained electrical systems cause injuries, property damage, or financial losses. These claims fall under the broader category of housing disrepair and are becoming increasingly common in areas like Tower Hamlets, where many properties are rented, managed by housing associations, or owned as leasehold flats.
If you live in Tower Hamlets and have experienced harm because of dangerous wiring in your home, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Whether you’ve suffered an electric shock, lost personal belongings in a fire, or had to move out due to unsafe living conditions, Marley Solicitors can help you take legal action and secure the support you need.
What is a faulty electric wiring claim?
A faulty electric wiring claim is a type of housing disrepair case where a resident takes legal action against a landlord, property manager, or housing association due to the presence of unsafe electrical installations. These claims often involve:
- Old or deteriorating wiring that has not been replaced
- Dangerous installations that fail to meet UK electrical safety standards
- Ignored reports of electrical faults
- Electrical fires caused by negligence
- Delays in completing essential repairs
Tenants and leaseholders have a legal right to live in a safe home. If a landlord or managing agent fails to meet this obligation, they may be held legally accountable.
Can I claim for faulty electrical wiring in Tower Hamlets?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if unsafe electrical conditions in your Tower Hamlets property have caused you harm. This includes situations where your landlord has failed to act on reports of faulty wiring, exposed cables, or frequent power surges. It also includes more severe cases, such as electrical fires, electrocution, or major damage to your home.
Social landlords, housing associations, or private landlords manage many homes in Tower Hamlets. While some provide regular maintenance, others neglect critical safety responsibilities. Areas like Whitechapel, Stepney, and Bow contain numerous older buildings that may not meet current electrical safety standards. If you have reported a hazard and nothing has been done, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
How common are electrical issues in rented homes?
Faulty wiring is more common than many people realise, especially in older or poorly maintained buildings. In densely populated boroughs like Tower Hamlets, the risks can be even higher due to:
- Overloaded circuits from subdivided flats
- DIY electrical work carried out without certification
- Landlord response times are delayed because of high housing demand
- Damp or condensation interfering with electrical systems
If you live in a flat or house where these issues are present and your landlord refuses to make the necessary repairs, you are not alone, and you may have a strong case.
Signs of faulty electrical wiring in your home
Recognising the signs of electrical disrepair early is crucial for your safety. Some of the most common indicators include:
- Sockets that feel hot to the touch
- Sparks or smoke may occur when appliances are plugged in
- Flickering or buzzing lights
- Frequent power cuts or blown fuses
- Burning smells coming from plug points or switches
- Exposed or frayed wires
- Mould or damp around electrical outlets
If you notice any of these issues in your Tower Hamlets property, report them to your landlord or managing agent immediately and seek legal advice if no action is taken.
Legal responsibilities for landlords in Tower Hamlets
Landlords in the UK are legally required to ensure that electrical installations in rental properties are safe. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 mandates that landlords keep all rented homes in good repair and maintenance to minimise the risk of injury or damage. Since 2020, landlords must also ensure:
- A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is conducted at least once every 5 years
- All electrics are inspected by a qualified electrician
- Tenants are given a copy of the EICR within 28 days of inspection
- All necessary repairs identified in the report are carried out promptly
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to enforcement action by Tower Hamlets Council or result in a compensation claim from tenants.
What to do if your landlord ignores electrical problems
If your landlord has failed to act on reports of electrical hazards, here’s what you should do:
- Document everything – Take photos or videos of the hazard, and keep copies of messages sent to your landlord or agent.
- Report the problem in writing – Always make complaints in writing, such as by email or recorded post, to create a paper trail.
- Contact Tower Hamlets Council – You can request an inspection by the Environmental Health team if your landlord fails to respond.
- Seek legal advice – If the issue remains unresolved, Marley Solicitors can help you pursue a housing disrepair claim on a no win, no fee basis.
How much compensation can I claim?
The amount of compensation you may receive is determined by several factors, including:
- The severity and duration of the disrepair
- Whether any injuries were sustained (e.g. shocks, burns, anxiety)
- Damage to personal belongings
- Costs of temporary accommodation
- Emotional distress or inconvenience caused
Typical compensation ranges from a few hundred pounds for minor hazards to several thousand pounds in cases involving serious harm or loss of property.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience supporting clients across East London and the wider Greater London area. Our legal team has successfully helped tenants in Tower Hamlets recover compensation for housing disrepair, including electrical faults, dampness, mould, and unsafe living conditions.
We work with tenants from a wide range of housing situations, including:
- Council tenants living in estates like Ocean Estate or Brownfield Estate
- Leaseholders dealing with building management companies
- Private renters in flats above shops or converted homes
- Families living in housing association properties managed by Tower Hamlets Community Housing or Clarion
Our team offers practical, compassionate, and effective support—always putting your safety and wellbeing first.
Do I need to move out to make a claim?
No. You do not need to move out to begin a claim. In fact, most claims are made while the tenant is still living in the property. If the disrepair is so severe that your home becomes uninhabitable, your landlord may be required to provide temporary accommodation, and this cost may be included in your claim.
Can I still make a claim if I live in a housing association flat?
Yes. You can still bring a claim even if your landlord is a housing association or registered social landlord. These organisations have the same legal responsibilities as private landlords. If they’ve ignored electrical hazards or failed to fix unsafe wiring, you can take legal action with support from Marley Solicitors.
What documents will I need to make a claim?
To build a strong case, try to gather the following:
- Photographs or videos of the electrical problem
- Copies of emails or letters sent to your landlord
- Medical reports if you were injured
- A diary of dates when the problems occurred
- Copies of any inspection reports or EICRs
- Receipts for any damaged personal items
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these on hand, our legal team can help you collect additional evidence where needed.
Free consultations for Tower Hamlets residents
If faulty electric wiring in your Tower Hamlets home has affected you, Marley Solicitors is here to assist. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and many of our cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Living in unsafe conditions can be distressing, particularly when your complaints go unanswered. Whether your case involves a social landlord, private letting agent, or building manager, our team will stand with you to secure the compensation and repairs you deserve.
Get in touch today
Don’t let your landlord put your safety at risk. If faulty electric wiring in your Tower Hamlets home has caused injury, damage, or distress, contact Marley Solicitors today. Our team will assess your situation, explain your rights clearly, and take swift action to protect your interests.
