You absolutely need a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair whatever the problem is in person, not over the Internet.
None of us here could, or would diagnose it without being there in person.
A reasonable enough justification to the landlord is that you smell the burning. They shouldn't be too keen on the idea of their 5 yr old building burning down with their tenants inside.
(I can recommend someone if you're near Flagstaff. email me if you'd like)
[This message has been edited by electure (edited 12-17-2004).]
