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Electrical work in an apartment

Inside an apartment, part of the electrics belongs to the unit and part to the building. Knowing where the line falls decides who can change what.

Apartments generally have a small board inside the unit feeding lights, sockets, the kitchen and the fan coil units, while the incoming supply, meters, corridor lighting, fire alarm devices and shared systems belong to the building. Work on the unit’s own circuits is usually possible with the building management’s permission; work touching building systems is for the building’s own contractors.

Property guides describe how electrical work changes with the type of building it happens in.

Construction also limits what is practical. Concrete ceilings and walls make new cable routes difficult, so additions often use false ceilings, bulkheads or neat surface trunking. Most towers require a work permit, restrict noisy work to certain hours and ask for contractor details in advance. Tenants normally need the landlord’s agreement too.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Unit versus building

    The unit board is yours; risers, meters and alarms are not.

  • Permits are normal

    Most buildings want notice and contractor details.

  • Concrete limits routes

    New cables often go in ceilings or trunking.

02Detail

What is usually possible

  • Lighting changes

    Swapping fittings, adding downlights in existing false ceilings and adding dimmers.

  • Extra sockets

    Extending existing circuits where routes allow, often in trunking on concrete walls.

  • Kitchen alterations

    Moving appliance supplies during a kitchen refit, within the unit’s circuits.

  • Fan coil supplies

    Checking the supply and isolator to a fan coil; the unit itself may be maintained by the building or by a separate contractor.

03Checklist

Before booking

  • Ask the building management

    About permits, working hours and what they need from the contractor.

  • Get landlord consent

    If you rent, agree the work in writing.

  • Photograph the unit board

    And note anything that trips.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Who fixes a dead corridor light outside my door?
The building management, since corridor lighting is a shared system.
Can I add downlights to a concrete ceiling?
Not directly in most cases; a false ceiling or bulkhead is usually needed to hide cables and fittings.
Why does the building ask for a permit for small jobs?
It needs to know who is working in the tower, when, and that shared systems will not be affected.
Can a tenant arrange electrical work?
Usually with the landlord’s agreement and the building’s permit.
What if the whole apartment loses power?
Check the unit board first; if nothing has tripped, the building management can check the supply side.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical work. All topics are on the guides page.

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