|
 |
|
can tenants have access to electrical panel?
by Tati (massachusetts)
on February 22, 2017 @18:48
|
I own a 3 unit building.I do not live in that building. All the utility employees and janitor have access to the basement.
Tenants do not have access to the basement. When there is an emergency the janitor shows up or the company serving the building show up when is needed.
All three panels are in the basement. One of the tenant plugged a microwave and other appliances in the same line the refrigerator is connected. The braker turned off.
The electrician went and took care of this issue.
The tenant said that he found out that by law he has the right to have access tothe panel.
I disagree with his claim because previous year tenants have access to the basement and use basement as storage room and was kaotic to see it.
All dirty and trash were left in the basement when they move out.
therefore I have that rule: Utility employee and serving company for the building are allowed in the basement and keep a key.Tenants are not allowed in the basement and do not have a key.
Tenants want access to the basement but I disagree with it.
I would like your advise. What do you do in a situation like this?
Do tenants by law have the right to access tothe electrical panel?
is it true ?
I need to know if it is true.
|
|
[
Reply
]
[
Return to forum
]
|
|
Re: can tenants have access to electrical panel?
by Anonymous
on February 22, 2017 @21:23
|
[ Reply ]
|
|
|
For a minute, let's put legality aside.
Say there was a legitimate emergency and a tenant from one of the three units has to turn off the power. Electrical problems can be serious. Not having someone on site with access to the breaker box could lead to damage to your property (the building) and potential liability if anyone is hurt or injured.
How quick is the response for someone to show up if access to the panel is needed?
|
|
Re: can tenants have access to electrical panel?
by Anonymous
on February 23, 2017 @08:49
|
[ Reply ]
|
|
|
I would give each tenant a key to access the basement for entry to turn reset the breaker if needed. But I would also give them notice that any items set in the basement for them to use this space as a storage area. Would be tossed out without notice by maintenance personnel.
This way you avoid the grey area of panel access. And keep the area clear of clutter.
|
|
Re: can tenants have access to electrical panel?
by AnonymousFL
on February 23, 2017 @12:43
|
[ Reply ]
|
|
|
I believe your tenant may be correct. I am not familiar with MA requirements myself, but in doing a bit of searching it does appear that access to the breakers for their unit is necessary. Your best bet may be to contact your city inspector or city engineer to get their advise on what is required.
Good luck with it.
|
|
Re: can tenants have access to electrical panel?
by Charlesreid3
on November 1, 2023 @17:42
|
[ Reply ]
|
|
|
No. Don’t listen to non-lawyers. The national code does not require it and neither does Massachusetts require it. Under 105 CMR 410.200(C), a landlord need not give access to the panels if the landlord is paying for utilities and there is a manager with 24 hour access to the panel.
9787468843
progressivelawllc.com
|
|
|
Look-up
Associations
Attorneys
Businesses
Rentals Available
Rentals Wanted
Realty Brokers
Landlord Articles
Tips & Advice
Tenant Histories
Other Areas
Q&A Forum
Free Forms
Essential Forms
Landlord Tenant Law
Join Now
Credit Reports
About Us
Site Help
|
