Lighting responsibilities in rented house, question...

kitschkitty

Hi, Just a quick one.

We have a 4 or 5 foot fluorescent tube in our kitchen that stopped working ages ago, and now the bathroom light has gone kaput too!

The bathroom light fitting is solid plastic and neither me or OH have been able to remove it (it's so old it's starting to crack in the middle under the pressure of your thumb when trying to remove it). I don't even know what bulb would be in it, but I'm guessing a fluorescent ring?

If we can't remove the bathroom fitting, should we speak to our letting agents about it/ does the landlord have any responsibilities regarding the type of light fittings in the house or anything?

I noticed the kitchen light tries to flicker on, but doesn't get anywhere (where as the bathroom light is completely out) someone told me this might be to do with the starter. I have no clue what this even is. Is this a DIY job for me, or under health and safety, might it be something the landlord should get a handyman to do?

Also I'm only used to changing normal bulbs, so, how much will the fluorescent fittings cost roughly? I'm going to bea bit annoyed if we have to pay lots because the landlord has such old light fittings in the kitchen and bathroom!

poppysocks1

I would speak with your letting agent regarding all this.

sarah_elton

Bathroom - if you can't remove the light fitting cover to get at the bulb, call the landlord/agent and inform them, explaining that you don't want to try too hard in case you break it. In general, bulb replacement is the tenant's responsibility but the fittings are the landlord's, but they should help if you can't get to the bulb!

Kitchen - has the bulb gone or is the light fitting broken? If the bulb is gone, a new flourescent tube should cost less than a fiver from any hardware store - just take the old bulb in and ask someone there for a new one. If you're having the same issue as in the bathroom though, call the agent/landlord.

poppysarah

Some of the older light fittings are more complex than the rubix cube and you have to do them whilst standing on a chair or ladder (DO NOT STAND ON THE SINK!) - if in doubt ask the LA for advice (Perhaps they should have instructions for complicated fittings?)


Post a pic and we'll try and work out how to open it

tbs624

For the bathroom one notify the LA in writing and keep a copy - tell them that you'd like it dealt with within 48 hours and suggest some times that you can be available to let someone in.

For the kitchen- it should be quite straightforward - see here for all about starters and tubes and how to change them. Replacement tube costs between £5-10 depending on wattage,mm size etc. Check with your local council how you should dispose of old tubes safely.

kitschkitty

Thanks for the replies, looks like it is the starter in the kitchen so shall get the OH to remove it so I can buy the right replacement, and I've phoned the LA and the LL has authorized a handyman to come round and take a look at the bathroom light (at least then it's not our responsibility if the old plastic fittings fall apart/need replacing)!