Is it safe to use an extension cord permanently in a rental where rewiring isn’t allowed?

Short answer

Why people ask this

People in rentals where rewiring isn’t allowed may feel stuck when outlets are scarce or poorly placed. They often hope a cord across a room can be a long-term workaround without violating the lease. Renters also worry about avoiding wall damage (no stapling or drilling), navigating high-traffic areas, and staying compliant with building rules and insurance.

When it might be safe

There are no commonly accepted situations where this is considered safe.

When it is not safe

• Extension cords are not rated for permanent installation; continuous loads can overheat the cord or plug.
• Routing cords under rugs, across doorways, or along baseboards (common in small rentals) causes damage and creates trip/fire hazards.
• You can’t legally fasten cords to walls or trim in most leases, and tape or adhesive can fail or damage surfaces during move-out.
• Daisy-chaining power strips (typical when outlets are scarce) increases resistance, heat, and the chance of overload.
• Older rentals may have ungrounded or shared circuits, making long-term cord use more prone to nuisance trips and overheating.
• Many leases and fire codes explicitly prohibit using extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Possible risks

• Fire and shock hazards from overheated cords, worn insulation, or loose plug connections.
• Tripping injuries when cords cross hallways or doorways in compact rental layouts.
• Lease or code violations that can trigger failed inspections, fines, or fees at move-out.
• Renter’s insurance may deny claims if a prohibited permanent extension cord contributed to a loss.
• Damage to devices from voltage drop, arcing, or repeated plug movement.

Safer alternatives

• Ask the landlord for a written addendum to install a code-compliant outlet by a licensed electrician (often a permissible improvement even when general rewiring isn’t allowed).
• Rearrange furniture to place high-draw or always-on devices near existing outlets; use shorter, heavy-duty cords only while in use and unplug after.
• Use a UL-listed relocatable power tap (not daisy-chained) with integrated overload protection for temporary use, placed off the floor and away from foot traffic.
• For occasional needs, use a heavy-duty (12–14 AWG), grounded cord and a plug-in GFCI adapter for added protection; route visibly along walls without rugs or doorways and disconnect when not needed.
• Choose cordless or battery-powered lamps/tools and low-power devices where possible to reduce reliance on long cord runs.

Bottom line

In a rental where rewiring isn’t allowed, a permanent extension cord isn’t safe and often violates lease and fire-code rules. Work with your landlord on a proper outlet installation or use temporary, supervised setups that you unplug when not in use.

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