Who fixes dead outlets in a rental
In California, permanently installed electrical outlets are part of the rental's electrical system, and your landlord must keep them in safe, working order under Civil Code Section 1941.1.
A few dead outlets can point to a tripped breaker, a failed outlet, or a wiring problem. Sometimes it is minor; sometimes it signals a hidden fault that could be a fire risk. Either way, it is generally the landlord's job to diagnose and repair building outlets — not yours.
Report the problem to your landlord in writing, list which outlets are affected, and note anything unusual like sparks, heat, or burning smells. Those details matter, because a sparking or hot outlet is an urgent safety issue, while a single quietly dead outlet is less pressing but still the landlord's duty to fix.
Keep a copy of your request and any photos. If your landlord ignores real outlet problems — especially unsafe ones — a free, confidential review can explain your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.