My landlord is forcing me to keep an "emergency light" on in my apartment even at night. What can I do about this?
Posted by Verifiedvenuz@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 173 comments
Moving isn't an option, I live in supported accommodation and it's basically this or the streets.
My landlord insists it's a legal requirement. If I point out it's not, he basically says higher ups are making him do it anyway, then forgets we had that conversation.
audigex@reddit
Just to clarify some comments... your landlord requires you to keep a light on in your apartment, which has no switch in the apartment, and it's effectively in your bedroom? In supported accommodation for vulnerable people?
Frankly I'd be getting an electrician round to check for a camera hidden in it
idfk-bro123@reddit
Woah. This context changes everything. I'm about to enter assisted/supported living and I wouldn't be able to sort out an issue like this on my own. Does anyone know what support or resources op could access that would help them to address the issue?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Citizens advice is the main one I hear of
idfk-bro123@reddit
Do you receive care at all? I would try a care manager or support worker too, if you have them.
OchitaSora@reddit
I wouldn't even bother with the cost of the electrician.
Emergency lighting is usually on a seperate circuit, and we do typically controll the isolation switch for these (for testing purposes only). However excluding test mode or an actual emergency, there shouldn't be anything other than a little green dot. It shouldn't be causing any level of disturbance.
If they already have documentation of contacting their landlord around this, I'd ask for subject access request for emergency lighting plan, and testing records. I'd also contact appropriate whistleblowing and ombudsman.
LittleSadRufus@reddit
Electrical records aren't personal data so not a required disclosure under a GDPR SAR, but perhaps you're referencing different legislation? Not really a FoI matter either
marvin-blue@reddit
I was going to comment that the landlord may be confused about the requirements. As it is supported living it may require emergency lighting to comply with fire regs. Emergency lighting is required to come on in the event of power supply failure on a battery backup, the landlord might be thinking that keeping an "emergency light" on at all times satisfies the regs when it doesn't.
OchitaSora@reddit
A lot of the smaller providers that have popped up don't really know better and within the larger providers, we're generally promoted based on our specialisms, with the understanding we contact our housing/ property management departments.
Equally, it could just be dodgy practice and it isn't an emergency light at all or a malfunctioning light. I'd be interested in seeing an image.
ADamnGoodShot@reddit
Check for cameras, this is fishy as hell
SpamJavelin00@reddit
Nah if he was that bothered he would just use night vision cameras . I doubt a grainy green image of a hallway is the sexiest voyeur footage anyway. Am I right in assuming this is one of those green fire exit signs or similar he is asking for ? I think those are required , but extremely cheap to run, like a penny per day
flipfloppery@reddit
OP has said in the comments that it's a full ceiling light in a studio apartment, so their main light. Cameras seem like a valid concern.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Here's a photo of it
P0l01985@reddit
I work in supported living, we have the same thing in our office. It’s pointless asking them to change it, they won’t. But do what I did. Unscrew the outer case. Underneath is the circuit boards and bulbs. Believe it or not, that horrible green light is coming from a tiny little light. The kind you see on the front of a tv. Get some blue tack on it and put the top back on. It won’t completely darken it, but it will darken it enough you should be able to sleep with it. You won’t even see the green light in the day like the picture.
bloqed@reddit
So OP, these can be rotated off. Rotate with your hands on the white outer layer like its a giant bottle cap. It should rotate and fall off, and show a bunch of LEDs and some switches inside. These switches control the timer, the brightness, and a proximity sensor if it has one. If you send a photo of the inside (and any model numbers you see) I can advise as to how to operate it. It's LED based so very low amperage, shouldn't be a shock risk if you are just careful and avoid touching any exposed metal conductors.
Hot_Recognition_4864@reddit
Nah, almost all security cameras have IR sensors and built in lights.
flipfloppery@reddit
Not security cameras, but hidden cameras used for voyeuristic purposes.
louwyatt@reddit
Voyeuristic, there truly is a word for everything in the English language.
Fattydog@reddit
It’s French.
ShineAtom@reddit
As are so many of our words!
Hot_Recognition_4864@reddit
I assume the would have the same tech. Not a very good incognito camera if it requires a spotlight on the subject
flipfloppery@reddit
Full colour > black and white IR.
Especially if you're wanting to chase the last turkey around the shop to it.
Bunister@reddit
If there IS a camera, its more likely to be for anti-social behaviour/drug use than voyeurism.
Either way, I'm pretty sure it's iillegal.
Easy-Operation7564@reddit
Frosted glass spray paint does wonders. If you do it cleanly they wont notice when you move out.
Rude-Possibility4682@reddit
Post a picture of the light in question, them we can see what type of "legal" light it is
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Rude-Possibility4682@reddit
I think those are wired into the main circuit board, it should just give off a slight green glow, unless there is a power cut, or fire, then will glow white.
JakeBees@reddit
Is this an actual emergency light fitting or just a normal light you’re not allowed to turn off?
There will be no switch for it if it’s an emergency light and it will need a permanent live feed for the battery.
But they can be wired in 2 ways. Always on or to only come on in the even of power loss to your main lighting circuit.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Here's a photo of it
JakeBees@reddit
The green suggests this is genuinely an emergency light but looks like some sort of retrofitted solutions. There are alternatives available that would not be so intrusive
Nice_Back_9977@reddit
I feel like there has to be more to this than OP has posted.
RickRollRules@reddit
Always the case lol
Nolascana@reddit
Yep, people are prizing details out of OP bit by bit.
Studio flat, cant find a switch for the light etc.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Sorry, I made the post super late in kind of a panic and forgot to include a lot of details
Salty_Lawfulness2589@reddit
You’re not being very clear at all about this. Describe the light in as much detail and its location. Do you live in just one room and share facilities?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
One room and I share facilities. Its a HFO
ElvishMystical@reddit
I'm responding because this is strange to me. I live in social housing, my tenancy is classified as supported housing which I got 20 years ago on an RSI (Rough Sleeper Initiative).
Now I need to have a CO detector and smoke alarms and I have an annual gas safety check once or twice a year. I cannot make cosmetic repairs. But I have full control over my lighting and electrics.
Now your HA or landlord might be different, but if I were expected to keep an 'emergency light' on all the time I would be questioning this too.
It might be worth a £60 or so visit from an electrician to check for cameras, but I would also be thinking about taking this to the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) and getting advice on how to challenge this in a legal sense.
It seems strange because even in accomodation on a supported tenancy, you do have the right to dignity, privacy and security. Any requirement by your HA or landlord should not infringe in any way on those rights. I mean, it's not like you're in prison, right?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I just talked to the manager and he said because it's a HFO different laws applu
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I should clarify they're not my landlord, they're the manager of the building, and I've never met the landlord. I apologise for getting that detail wrong last night.
I will contact the CAB
Charlie_Yu@reddit
AFAIK you are not obligated for whatever the manager says, you are only dealing with the landlord
marvin-blue@reddit
Hey OP I think you should ask your landlord to clarify exactly what law they think requires this.
I am a fire safety engineer and emergency lighting is a specific type of lighting which only comes on in emergencies (e.g. in a fire or if there is a power cut) it works on a battery backup. Sometimes it is part of the normal lighting as well but there is no law I know of that requires a light in a flat to be kept on 24/7.
I also think you should get in contact with the council regarding this.
Here's a link to a website which explains exactly what emergency lighting is, which you can share with your landlord if necessary.
https://www.nvcuk.com/technical-support/view/a-guide-to-emergency-lighting---introduction-30
Longjumping-Hair3888@reddit
Can you post a picture of the light OP? Some emergency lights have small leds that stay illuminated to indicate the battery is ok but this sounds unusual.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I will soon
OchitaSora@reddit
Manage supported accomodation. Yes, we do have legal requirements around emergency lighting, but what you've described doesn't sound like emergency lighting.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I will when I'm next in the building
tidygrant@reddit
Sounds like he needs his own landlord supply that is metered to him
kegcellar@reddit
My landlord did this as it was their convenient way to counter the new fire safety requirements without building a fire escape down the back of our house as my flat is now "and exit". Despite being locked and so RIP the other flats if im out and theres a fire. The regulation is kind of stupid and requires exits either side of our terraced house so now to comply, emergency lights are fitted in dark places and by the exits. I simply tape over them.
Nolascana@reddit
Oh no, would you look at that, the bulb went out-!
Of course I will get a replacement. Tomorrow~
*\ Note- Tomorrow is always, well, Tomorrow.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
The switch isn't in the room, I can't turn it off physically
Nolascana@reddit
I didnt say anything about a switch.
Just unscrew the bulb or something.
If its encased, its still removable, how else will the bulb be changed.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Isn't unscrewing the bulb of a light that's on a massive electrocution risk?
OldGodsAndNew@reddit
Wear rubber gloves
Jaded_Leg_46@reddit
Don't do anything to the light, they might claim it's willful damage. The landlord is required by law to have emergency lighting in the hallways and there is no law requiring a tennant leave a light on in their own living space. It's worth contacting Shelter for advice for tennants. Supported living isn't exempt from the same laws as other landlords.
Nolascana@reddit
Its a studio flat. Thats why I suggested unscrewing the bulb or something.
OP has seemingly asked people about the situation, or done research. The landlord is being unreasonable.
Lighting a corridor, yeah, but, its their bedroom (if im remembering how studio flats are, pretty sure its just one big space, bathroom, and a kitchenette rather than an enclosed kitchen?).
Jaded_Leg_46@reddit
I totally get why you suggested removing the bulb but some of these places would use that to their advantage to evict the one person questioning the new rules. There are new rules regarding emergency lighting but they're safety rules. Auxiliary lights that come on when a fire alarm goes off as we know so that people can see the nearest exit. Most lights are wired into the mains and from there wired into the fire alarm system and a back up system which means they have manual control. As OP is living in an open plan flat they can't force OP to live under certain conditions.
With it being supported housing a lot of the companies that now run them introduce new rules at the drop of a hat. Some are unnecessary and some are intrusive. I have a friend who lives in supported housing and they were told that the management had decided there would be mandatory weelky checks and checks if people hadn't been seen coming or going. These weren't welfare checks, it was monitoring dressed up as welfare. Again like OP if my friend refused to follow the rules he would be thrown out too. The building has support staff 24 hrs a day and a care taker, now there is one person on the desk 9 - 5 and the company has the care taker doing welfare checks. They have tennants over a barrel.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
The I'm conflicted on what I should do now
Nolascana@reddit
To be honest, my suggestion is probably a bad one, but, im just a redditor.
Not someone who knows the ins and outs.
For genuine advice and solutions, OP shouldn't be asking here. Actual organisations that have boots on the ground, they should be put to task.
I agree, in case of a fire in the building, absolutely have a secondary overhead light come on for safety.
But, a permanent one...
Personally Id get a bed tent and just, deal with it. If the light was too harsh, id request a warmer bulb rather than a cooler light.
Jaded_Leg_46@reddit
I completely agree that's why I suggested OP contact Shelter. I wouldn't know anything about these places operate if I didn't have a friend with lived experience of how these companies operate, especially as it's taking a toll on my friends mental health. A lot of the companies that own them once had contracts to manage the buildings and then bought them when they came on the market after councils, NHS and charities sold them off.
Rich-Peak-3902@reddit
Removing a lightbulb wouldn't successfully be classed as damage, they're designed to be removable.
Jaded_Leg_46@reddit
Yes it would, the light is the property of the owner and any interference that could affect the reason why it's there, obviously for safety laws, it might be seen as damaging something intended for safety. What would happen if they noticed the light bulb was missing?
Rich-Peak-3902@reddit
Sorry, I was working from the thread's assumption that it's not (legally speaking) actually for safety laws. On that assumption it's no different than removing a shelf from a fridge supplied by the landlord.
TravelKats@reddit
No, how do you think people change burnt out light bulbs?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
By turning the switch off first
smellycoat@reddit
It’s safe to do it, the bulb part of a bulb isn’t live and as soon as you untwist it a little the contacts at the end of the bulb will cut the power. Just make sure you’re touching plastic or glass parts and you’ll be fine. I realise it seems scary cos you’re not “supposed” to do it that way but it is perfectly safe.
The biggest reason historically was that bulbs used to get super hot, but modern ones don’t.
Negative_Equity@reddit
I generally turn the switch off first
iiAssassinXxii@reddit
Depending on how the circuit is wired that might not be enough. Best solution is to turn off the MCB.
anomalous_cowherd@reddit
No, but it would be hot and will burn you unless you have protection. Don't stick your finger up inside the socket though. If it's a screw fitting bulb you probably wouldn't need to take the bulb all the way out for it to go off, then you could just leave it loose - a bayonet fitting (push and twist) would come out anyway.
kill-the-maFIA@reddit
Most LED bulbs these days won't burn you. We're not talking about a 150W incandescent bulb here.
bloqed@reddit
No, not at all, just dont stick your finger in the socket hole behind it and even then, lighting circuits should be low aperage. All UK systems generally have an RCBO which trips within a fraction of a second as well
UselessDood@reddit
RCBOs aren't particularly common yet. RCDs are, though they won't trip if you short live and neutral
DomInNameOnly@reddit
Yea they would, they wouldn't with l/n to e short 😸
UselessDood@reddit
The entire purpose of an RCD is to detect earth faults.
DomInNameOnly@reddit
Lol, I've just woken up was getting RCDs/and older MCBs mixed up in my head with the newer rccbo or whatever there called, don't see many of them yet! The spark detecting ones are particularly problematic in my industry 😸
UselessDood@reddit
Rcbo is basically an RCD and mcb in one! They're a fair bit more annoying to install but once done they're so much better overall
anomalous_cowherd@reddit
Whay are they more annoying to install? Fiddlier terminals because there's more packed in there?
UselessDood@reddit
Yep, pretty much.
DomInNameOnly@reddit
Yeah I know, I'm appliance engineer 😹
KungenBob@reddit
Do you lick empty electrical sockets very often?
No-Introduction3808@reddit
Who pays utilities?
fernofry@reddit
Your "landlord" doesn't sound like a landlord if he has higher ups. Are you in a supported living service and that's actually the service manager? If so, that changes things.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I wrote this in a hasty panic last night, you're correct that it's the manager.
fernofry@reddit
In that case, most of the advice you have received here is invalid. It is a legal requirement to maintain proper emergency lighting in a supported living service. However, ask your service manager again to do a Risk Assessment regarding light levels if you think its too bright, or ask to speak to the quality team. You can also try to go over the service manager's head and email the head office through the website of the organisation that runs your service. They should be able to make reasonable adjustments for you if it is disrupting your ability to sleep comfortably.
TheAireon@reddit
Karma farm story or bot.
Take your pick.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I'm genuine
Silent-Detail4419@reddit
Mate, just ignore it, I get accused of using AI all the time, simply because I’m able to string a coherent sentence together.
sjw_7@reddit
Is he your landlord or the building manager?
Either he is misinterpreting the rules or he knows its not a legal requirement and is doing it on purpose.
Is the light switch for the main light or some kind of emergency light? I can understand that in the case of an emergency they need to be able to put a light on quickly but not to keep one on all the time.
First thing to do is lodge a complaint with whoever is operating the building and with any relevant care associations. This will give you a paper trail. Then either unscrew the lightbulb or get someone to do it for you so he cant put it back on unnecessarily.
Kick up a real stink about this because its not right and affecting your quality of life.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Building manager, my mistake. Thank you for your advice
SpamJavelin00@reddit
What the hell is an emergency light ? If you mean a fire exit light or similar , I think they need to be on but you can get LED ones that use 1w or less of power , that’s not even 1p per day.
Nolascana@reddit
The main issue is the light in question is in their bedroom.
Normally an emergency light would be for corridors and stairwells.
They automatically come on when theres no natural light/ on timers. Or, need to be permanently on where theres no windows.
OP isnt comfortable unscrewing the bulb it seems, so, replacing it with a smart bulb or something (so it can be turned off at night) is a bit far fetched.
An LED would probably be too bright... but, yeah, the cost wouldnt be too extreme I suppose.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I'm cool with unscrewing the bulb, I was just under a misconception that it was dangerous if I couldn't turn the switch off first.
SpamJavelin00@reddit
How would landlord even know what’s going on , or switched on/off , in someone’s bedroom ??
Nolascana@reddit
People are suspecting cameras.
Its hardwired to be permanently on. Theres no switch that OP has found that turns it off.
SpamJavelin00@reddit
If there is no legal requirement to have it , then refuse . There is no ‘emergency’ that could happen in a bedroom that requires any ‘light ‘ & it’s illegal to ask for one
Nolascana@reddit
OP has tried to refuse.
The landlord is insisting.
Thats why theyve asked reddit... instead of the CAB seemingly. They'd get better advice there, and, probably be able to get in touch with people that can help resolve the matter.
zonked282@reddit
if you have a case worker or support worker through the council then i would raise this with them personally.
Numerous_Shallot373@reddit
Who are the ‘higher ups’? If this is accommodation operated by a housing association or something then he’s not your landlord, he’s just the manager or whatever. Contact the organisation that runs the accommodation and ask them.
Are any of your neighbours also in studio flats? Ask them if they’ve had a similar request. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them just pop out after dark and see whose lights are on full.
If you get nowhere with the housing association then just unscrew the bulb every evening.
Basically if this is your overhead light blazing all night long in a studio flat then it’s unreasonable and highly unlikely to be the ‘law’. It sounds fishy to me and either the landlord is being a controlling arsehole, a creep, or both.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
1: I should've said manager, I wrote this in kind of a panic last night.
2: good idea
3: okay
UnusualActive3912@reddit
Is it in your bedroom?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
Studio apartment, so yes
-Gay-_-@reddit
uh...
Fendrinus@reddit
I'm sure I'm missing something but what does "uh..." even mean here? What does it contribute to the discussion? I can't tell if it's meant to express disagreement or understanding? But it is currently more upvoted than OPs reply, which seems to reasonably answer the question to me. I don't understand.
I just want an explanation please
-Gay-_-@reddit
expressing that I'm sceptical about the reasons that their landlord wants a light in in the room they sleep at all times
Fendrinus@reddit
So agreeing with the general assumption in the rest of the comments of some sort of voyeurism? Or at least nefarious intent? Ok, thank you for explaining
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
The I don't agree with the idea that it's this. It just seems like incompetency and misreading of laws
-Gay-_-@reddit
yeah :)
wildeaboutoscar@reddit
That's not unusual for supported accommodation
Massive-Act6899@reddit
What emergency would a light be required for 24/7?
bloqed@reddit
are you expected to pay for the electricity for it? I would immediately inspect for surveillance devices
ceciem2100@reddit
They aren't confident unscrewing a light bulb, do you really think OP would be able to search for hidden cameras?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I can do it, I just genuinely thought unscrewing a lightbulb that was actively turned on was a shock hazard.
carefuldaughter@reddit
all you need is a flashlight to catch a glint reflected in a hidden lense. 🤷♀️
Lassitude1001@reddit
Or a phone camera with night mode enabled in the dark.
unwillingveggie95@reddit
Just don't? How could he possibly check you are doing this if its at night unless he's coming round, which he should be giving you advanced warning of
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
The switch isn't in the room
bourton-north@reddit
Where. Is. The. Switch??????????
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
I have no idea
Nolascana@reddit
OP hasnt found it yet, or, there just isnt one, and its hardwired like a heat sensor and smoke alarm system can be.
davehemm@reddit
In the landlord's goon palace of course.
Pyjama365@reddit
Unscrew the bulb? And possibly look out for hidden cameras because I'm finding it very hard to understand why he would demand this.
TheRealBrattyPanda@reddit
Get a black bin liner and gaffa tape it over the light at night if it's affecting your sleep. Cheap and easy solution without any arguments and easy to take down.
ClearAsMuggle@reddit
That's torture, even prisons have lights off at night
fotla@reddit
I would give Shelter or Citizen’s advice a call they’d be able to advise you on steps to take. If you’re not part of Acorn renters union I would join if you can afford it. They might even do reduced rates for people in supported accommodation, I’m not 100% sure though. They’re good at handling stuff like this. You need to be a member for 3 months before they can give advice/act on your behalf, but if your landlord is doing stilly stuff like this I would say they’d be good to have at hand in the future.
I’m not a solicitor but I can assure you having a light on is not a legal requirement!
EffectiveClock@reddit
replace the bulb with a smart bulb and just use the remote to switch it off at night. That way you can switch it back on if the landlord comes round to check
Successful_Good_6775@reddit
sounds ridiculous... I'd struggle to sleep with that. Never heard of anyone being required to keep a light on inside their flat 24/7
Royal_View9815@reddit
That’s what they do to prisoners in these super high security prisons. Unless OP is in CECOT then there’s no need for 24 hr light.
AdDependent5136@reddit
OP failed to mention that the landlord is His Majesty, and his residency is at His pleasure.
Royal_View9815@reddit
Imagine that haha
SufficientOpening218@reddit
there must be a local council you can complain to. its torture under the Geneva Convention to not allow people to have darkness to sleep in. A small nightlight, say, in the bathroom, is reasonable, but to be unable to control your overhead light? that is horrifying. Contact your locsl service for disabled people, or council member, or whoever these "higher ups" are, and dont quit!!!
NoExperience9717@reddit
Hotels often have an annoying smoke detector standby light so wonder if it's to do with that. But just searching for a reason.
Easy-Operation7564@reddit
Put a lamp shade on it.
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
It's a ceiling light
Radiant-Mycologist72@reddit
Shoe box over it taped to the ceiling?
WordWizardx@reddit
put the lamp shade on it upside-down then
KeepGoingOutOfSpite@reddit
Or if that doesn't fit/work buy an uplighter shade ... specifically designed 😉😊
GlaikitTeuchter@reddit
Is it a running man above a fire escape?
dontjustexists@reddit
My shared house does have emergency lighting, its a very dim light only in the hallways.
myri9886@reddit
Some emergency lighting is required. Such as in escape routes, exits, stairs and level changes, fire alarm panel and fire fighting equipment, accessibility facilities. There are others too. While most of this applies to commercial. If the building is a HMO or is run as a business it will require it
MiddleAgeCool@reddit
The light you need to keep on, what does it look like?
As this is supported accommodation, do you have shared hallways between your apartment and the building exit?
Where is the light located in your appartment?
For context, I'm trying to work out if the "emergency light" is actually an emergency light that is required to meet building codes or he's just trying to have you turn on the main living area light.
Slightly_underated@reddit
Sounds like there needs to be an emergency light installed but your landlord is trying to convince the local authority that one is there because he has told his tenant to keep an emergency light on. Just query it with your local authority to see if they also find this as suspictas most of us do. Personally I would tell him absolutely no way. Your not expected to leave a light on. He is expected to install a light which comess on In an emergency situation.
Icy-Belt-8519@reddit
I'd email the higher ups asking them and asking for a reason for it, if it is absolutely necessary I'd ask for it to be changed to a smaller light or a dimming bulb
Practical things you could do, in my house my kids share a room, we put a net curtain rail up using command hooks, put it at the height of the ceiling, then add a curtain and in the right place it should block light out so you can sleep, maybe a bed canopy/tent, or an eye mask
Remote-Personality90@reddit
I’ve spent a few years working in supported accommodation. Emergency lights are common within a property. Presumably it’s the type of light in a sealed plastic unit? Is the main bulb illuminated 24/7 or just the LED “dot” light within in? From memory, the emergency light illuminates if there is a power cut/ fire alarm goes off.
No-Profile-5075@reddit
Who is the landlord ? A HA or private landlord or registered supported landlord?
If ha or registered landlord then formal complaint time to get this resolved. If private then council is the next port of call.
the_uk_hotman@reddit
First have a chat with Shelter (landlords hate them) then local council and get your self on the housing register if your vulnerable or in assisted accommodation then you'll probably get band A or even housing. I was in assisted living for a 18 months i got attacked and hospitalised for it. Took me 1 month to get out and a place of my own took less really but the checks that the housing association had to do and waiting for the flat to be taken back to basics could have been 2 weeks. Get onto Dr too its not safe for you mentally too.
An emergency light is fine but only communal areas like stairs and emergency exits.
staygaryen@reddit
There is a lot of fear in social care around fire requirements, because of people’s vulnerability. I would make a formal complaint to your support living provider central team, or the local authority that’s funding your space.
Spartabus@reddit
Having worked in this field in the past, I can see a need for this. I not asking about your specific circumstances, but the building in general.... are there support staff or carers on site to support residents who may have specific needs or challenging behaviours? If so, then the emergency light would be a requirement for welfare checks, much the same as a hospital side room.
Nolascana@reddit
While I personally understand why, its a bit much to demand an overhead light be permanently on within a studio flat.
I work nights, so, sleeping with a light on is... manageable. Natural light is a little harder to navigate in that regard, but, one bed tent later and I wouldnt give too much of a shit to be honest.
However, thats for me.
OP has no access to the switch, nor are they comfortable replacing the bulb for a smart bulb or, simply unscrewing it (and, yeah, having it screwed in when inspections are due or something.
smallgreenpanda@reddit
If you are in supported accommodation, do you have any professionals who work with you that you could ask about this? Are you in touch with anyone from social work?
Kizzieuk@reddit
Is the space where the light is shared?
Nolascana@reddit
Its their overhead light for their studio flat.
Willing-Sundae6458@reddit
Could it be emergency lighting in case of a fire? It usually has a green glow. This can be part of fire safety compliance checks in HMO's which could explain why they are saying it's a requirement.
Key-Code6644@reddit
It sounds like the emergency light has been wired as a maintained fitting, you want it wired as non-maintained, meaning it only turns on when it loses power. most emergency lights can be be swapped between the 2 and it would take a sparky probably 5-10mins to do.
DarkAngelAz@reddit
It’s not a legal requirement and just unscrew the bulb. I would use gloves because it’s likely to be warm but they will never know unless they have a camera
contemplating7@reddit
I don't know about the type of light but wonder if a lampshade would help to reduce the light or a lower wattage bulb.
Sorry, I've not read every comment
Only_Parking_3270@reddit
Go on Facebook and find a group for your area. Ask for a trusted handyman, choose one with lots of positive feedback and pay them to take the bulb out or cover it up with black paper for you.
Inner-Purple-1742@reddit
Ring your local council and ask them
ClericalRogue@reddit
Malicious compliance time. Get one of those really tiny battery powered lights you normally stick inside wardrobe doors but stick it on near the front door at night. Your landlord didnt didctate the type of light right?
SnooGrapes2914@reddit
The whole thing sounds dodgy as hell tbh.
Contact the "higher ups" your landlord keeps insisting want this. I would be surprised if it is a legal requirement inside individual flats. Outside in hallways/landings, I think have to be illuminated 24/7 but not the actual houses.
I'd also be talking to neighbours, if you're comfortable with it, to see if they've had to get them as well.
If it is a proper "emergency light" like these you won't be able to change the bulb to a smart one you control, they're designed to stay on even when the main power goes out. You'd have to cover it somehow.
UnlikelyPie8241@reddit
The bulb is fine to change when on. We have a two way switch in our hallway/landing so can switch the light on from upstairs or downstairs and it’s always a surprise when I replace the bulb.
SubstantialAd283@reddit
I’m sure this is a method of torture. From Google AI: Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, class continuous illumination combined with sleep deprivation as a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment that violates the Geneva Convention.
In the short term, I agree with the poster that suggested a smart light you can control via remote or on your phone. You can get them with different adapters to fit most standard light fixtures. If you don’t know which one it is, take a picture and ask on Reddit, someone will know.
In the long-term, you can start finding out who the higher ups are and communicate what’s happening and how you want it to change. If that fails, maybe shelter, citizens advice, the council/people who housed you or a support/social worker(if you have one) might be able to assist you with your next steps.
WordsMort47@reddit
This, and please report back here later OP!
AndrewHinds67@reddit
This sounds really weird. He's making shit up as he's going along.
Acrobatic-Rabbit2660@reddit
I would as on legaladviceUK. Don’t know how to tag but that’s the name of the sub.
hodzibaer@reddit
R/legaladviceuk
Acrobatic-Rabbit2660@reddit
Thank you flower.
GoalLower@reddit
Go buy a smart bulb, change it for that then if he ever comes round you can turn it on, and turn it off when he’s not there
hodzibaer@reddit
The only reason this would be needed is if there’s a hidden camera.
Southern-Orchid-1786@reddit
What higher ups? Whilst there might be a need for a night light in communal areas (lots of holiday homes we rent have all got such things in the hall) your bedroom is your space. Remove the bulb
WinterMedical@reddit
Get someone to tape a cardboard box over it to the ceiling.
ChunkyWombat7@reddit
Unscrew the lightbulb?
Sounds pretty fishy. I'd ask the higher ups directly.
Southern-Orchid-1786@reddit
How would they know?
Verifiedvenuz@reddit (OP)
The switch isn't in the room, I can't turn it off physically
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