Repairing a faulty light fitting, qualification needed?

blackcloud

Hello all

I have a faulty light fitting, and have no light in my kitchen, however the landlord has refused to repair it and I cant go on with having no light in the kitchen.
So I was thinking of just paying to get it repaired myself however if I get a tradesman out to repair it and it needs more than a starter ie change the fitting or changing the florescent light fitting to a pendant one, what should I make sure the tradesman has? ie competent person and the Minor Works Certificate issued, insurance etc?

I have found a handy who says he does Electrical Services ie shower electrical wiring, external power etc but how can I know if he is qualified to make the repairs etc?

So my question is not about the Landlord possibly not fulfilling his responsibilities and how to get him to repair it but its about if I get a tradesman out what do I need to ensure he has qualification wise so that I can show that the person who carried out the repair was qualified to do it and if something goes wrong then I know that the tradesman who repaired it was qualified.

Thanks all in advance

bryanb

Changing a light fitting is a pretty simple job for competent DIY. No qualification necessary as it's like for like.

ohreally

Why not replace the tube and starter switch yourself to start with.

Why is the landlord not moving on this?

blackcloud

Landlord said if its just the starter or transformer its the tenants responsibility but thats another story, just wanting to make sure that if anything was to go wrong with the light or because of the light then I wouldnt be responsible for it as it was done by a tradesman who is qualified.

keith969

blackcloud wrote: »

I have found a handy who says he does Electrical Services ie shower electrical wiring, external power etc but how can I know if he is qualified to make the repairs etc?

Change the light and/or starter yourself. If that doesn't work call an electrician.

Le_Kirk

Before spending money on new parts, what is happening when you operate the light switch? Does the tube attempt to strike up? Can you see any flashes from the starter. It may well be that it is not the starter or tube or even the ballast but a switch fault. Unlikely to be a fuse or a breaker unless it is the only light on that particular circuit.

brightontraveller

Its all about liability if you have taken what’s considered reasonable steps to ensure the person is “competent” (that’s not the necessarily the same as qualified) and has appropriate insurance that’s all a court for example would be concerned with?

I’ve not seen a domestic tenancy that holds the tenant responsible for “ transformers” and fluorescent fitting it would be “ballast” with maybe exception of changing tube/ lamp ,starter (which could be seen as tenants responsibility) Its more cost effective to replace whole fitting than its component parts if landlords not willing they sound either a complete !!!!!! typically one or two properties thinks there god or slum lord that never spends a penny I’d look elsewhere to rent as soon as possible that type of landlord only ever gets worse.....