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Recessed lighting in rental property - help please

6 replies

northernstar0412 · 06/10/2020 13:10

Hello, I am thinking of renting out my flat to relocate nearer family during the pandemic.

I have recessed lighting in some rooms which was there when I bought the flat and I have found changing lightbulbs a complete nightmare.

Some lights have this contractable metal ring within the rim of the fixture that allows easier replacement of the lightbulb.

But with others I have to yank the whole fixture out of the ceiling. In one case I couldn't get it back into the ceiling properly and don't use it any more.

I am thinking of getting a (properly qualified) electrician to reinstall new recessed light fittings that allow the easiest possible replacement of bulbs.

Would this be acceptable if I am to rent the flat out? Or will tenants complain about
a) the difficulty of changing bulbs
b) the expense of bulbs, which can cost a fiver a time

I don't want to have to replace it with a single light fixture in each room, as it would be a lot more hassle and more expensive. Neither is it my preference as I may wish to live in the flat again and quite like the recessed lights - aesthetically at least.

Would I be best off getting a letting agent to do an assessment? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
northernstar0412 · 06/10/2020 13:12

be more expensive.

OP posts:
GreyishDays · 06/10/2020 13:18

Oh we’ve had similar. We did get them replaced.

Have you looked at Led bulbs? They are much cheaper and last longer than whatever was around a few years ago.

Wherehavetheteletubbiesgone · 06/10/2020 13:24

they will need to be fire rated to avoid a code on the EICR you will need as a landlord. get led ones my whole house is led lit an not a single failure in 3 years

mumwon · 06/10/2020 13:27

nb if you are renting property out you will also have to have an electrical safety check so make sure that your electrician is qualified
or
You could get someone to do safety check & upgrade things that need to be changed - read this & comments which are very useful
www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2020/1/another-new-law-mandatory-electrical-testing-on-the-way-for-rental-sector

northernstar0412 · 06/10/2020 13:33

Greyish Days - do you mean that you ditched the recessed lighting and replaced it with a single light fitting?

The bulbs I have are different - some are LED and some halogen.

Wherehavetheteletubbiesgone - Hi, I intend to get fireproof fittings - I wouldn't want the risk of not doing so. I will also use a letting agent to manage the property.

I am pretty sure I've had to replace some of my LED bulbs, though admittedly I don't keep track of how long they last.

OP posts:
northernstar0412 · 06/10/2020 13:35

mumwon - that is a good idea about getting the safety check first. Thank you.

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