Which electrical problems are emergencies
Many electrical problems count as emergency repairs because they can cause fire or electric shock. In California, an emergency is a condition that threatens health or safety and needs immediate attention.
Sparking or burning outlets, a burning smell in the walls, exposed live wires, a total loss of power, and repeated breaker trips with signs of overheating generally qualify as emergencies. These should be reported right away, and a landlord is expected to respond much faster than for a routine repair.
Less urgent issues — like a single dead outlet with no other symptoms, or one burned-out fixture — are still the landlord's duty to fix, but they usually do not carry the same immediate danger.
If you smell smoke, see flames, or believe there is an active fire risk, leave and call 911 first. For serious electrical hazards a landlord refuses to address quickly, a free, confidential review can explain your rights — and if a fire or shock has caused harm, we can help with that too.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.