Property wiring a ‘hazard’

A woman was sent flying when she touched a live wire in the garden of the Taumarunui property she was renting, the Tenancy Tribunal has heard.

When Steve and Marlene Bishop moved into the home in May last year they noticed bare wiring where power points or light switches needed to be installed. Subsequently they realised the electrical work was far worse than they had first thought.

Landlord Chris Eblett told them he would fix the wiring within a couple of weeks.

But about two months into their tenancy, Marlene brushed against an earth spike while weeding the garden and received a shock that knocked her across the lawn. An electrician later described the 227-volt earth pin as a ‘‘public hazard’’.

Once the couple became aware of the dangers, they stopped having their grandchildren over.

Only two power points and a few of the lights actually worked, the Bishops said, restricting their use of cooking facilities and appliances.

Eblett did not show up to the Tenancy Tribunal hearing.

The tribunal ruled that although he may not have been directly responsible for the ‘‘substandard and illegal’’ wiring, he was aware the house was not in a reasonable state.

Eblett has been ordered to pay the Bishops $5951 in exemplary damages and compensation.

The Bishops moved out of the home last month.