Street Light Outside Your Home Just Went Out? Here's What You Can Do

Street lights improve the safety and property value in residential areas. When a street light is out or malfunctioning, it's not just inconvenient — it can cause safety issues for residents living in the area. If you notice a street light outage, it's important to report it in order to keep your community safe.

You'll need to pinpoint exactly who to contact to report a street light outage near your home. Reporting fallen city-owned trees, damage by government-owned vehicles, and malfunctioning street lights can vary by location, but finding the right contact should be fairly simple. Responding to street light outages is usually the responsibility of your local government, so you'll want to contact your city's public works or transportation departments.

An important distinction here is that your local government is responsible for street light outages when they are located on public roads. If you live in a private development or a neighborhood with a homeowners' association (HOA), your HOA may be responsible for repairs if the light is on a private road. If you're unsure, check your HOA contract or contact the board directly for details specific to your neighborhood.

If you have an issue with a street light near your home, the first step is collecting some basic information. You'll need to make a note of the light's exact location, including the street names and nearby intersections or landmarks, if applicable. If you can safely get close to the light, you should find an identification number on the pole. You should also monitor the light to see if it is completely out, flickering, or malfunctioning. Take a picture or video of the issue, if possible.

With this information, you're ready to report the street light. Check your local government's website to see if it has an online form or hotline specifically for outages or street light issues. Most local municipalities offer a simple, easy way for citizens to report outages. If you can't find an online form or hotline, look for a contact number for your local public works or transportation departments.

When you report the street light, be sure to include the details you collected and any photo or video evidence. From there, it's time to wait. You may receive updates about the service order, but that will vary by municipality. It may be hard to be patient, especially if the street light is right outside of your home, but service orders can take time to complete. Depending on the extent of the issue, repairs could include completely replacing the street light or repairing damage to surrounding concrete. If a few weeks go by and you haven't seen any changes, you may need to follow up to receive an update.