Quote Originally Posted by WashougalWonder

All this advice and a 1930's home that obviously has been modified equals one dangerous mess. Let the landlord worry about it.
this is the best advice so far. if you handle it your self and something happens then you are liable. use the microwave story. after the electrician gets there you can ask him to run you a 240 volt circuit for a window a/c unit. and you pay for that part. but to avoid you being liable for for a possible house fire i would involve the land lord.