Tenant used Space Heaters Causing a Problem

[Val J.]

Yesterday my tenant texted me to tell me that she didn't want to turn on the central heat so she plugged in a space heater. When she did this tripped the lights.  She flipped the breaker and the lights came back on but she's informed me that 3 plugs in the living area where this happened no longer work and the ceiling fan and can lights are also not functioning. I spoke with a retired electrician who stated that space heaters can pull LOTS of juice/electricity.  He didn't think it was a major repair but I need to get someone experienced with electrical work to come and check each plug. I am going to have this repaired but I wanted to get advice on who she be responsible for paying for this. Me or her?

[Jon Holdman]

I would say you have to pay.  Space heaters and window ACs can bring out the weak spot in wiring.  If the wiring was all correct, these high power devices would simply pop the breaker.  What happens is a weak connection heats up and loosens and has now come apart.  You need an electrician to find the one with the problem and fix it.  Not a big repair, probably one of the ends of the three outlets that are not working.  So, while she should cautious when using a high power device, your wiring should not have come apart when she did.