Kitchen Appliance in Rented House Question

[stevemallinson]

Hi

 

I have rented a house for the past four years and am happy with the conduct of the estate agent and response to issues I have highlighted during this time. Within the last week both the washing machine and fridge freezer have broken down. The estate agent has told me that the landlord will not be repairing or replacing these items and I will need to go and buy my own new appliances.

These two were in the property when I moved in and are listed on the inventory. I selected this house as semi furnished as I didn't and still don't have the money to go and buy my own.

I don't want to make an issue of this if its going to result in my rent going up but id like to know where i stand on this issue.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Steve

[mariner51]

The general consensus is that a LL has no repairing liability for white goods, even if included on Inventory.

Have you called tradesmen to quote for repairs at own expense?

If they are beyond economic repair, then there are second-hand shops, HP shops. or reduced/marked display goods.

Alterantively try advertising on Freecycle or Freegle, but you will prob have to arrange collection.

You will need LLs written consent to dispose of his defunct appliances.

[citizenB]

If you do replace these with your own, you should ask the Agent/LL to remove them from the inventory as any replacements will be your personal property.

 

Please, please, do NOT go to somewhere like Brighthouse.

[Sparks_]

What if they are built in appliances? I have a fridge/freezer that is included in the inventory that is built into the kitchen units? Also the hob and oven are as well, the LL did replace the oven when it stopped working.

[citizenB]

Ah.. then that could be a little problematical. I would think the LL might not be able to withdraw from replacing them ? Have a word with Shelter they don't just deal with homeless, but all manner of issues that arise when renting properties.

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice

[Steve__M]

There is no statutory obligation to repair white goods, but there may be a contractual one. Read your contract and see what it says.

 

Personally, I think that if you advertise a property as coming with white goods, then you should be responsible for repairing them unless you've made it clear that they will not be repaired. But I am not a lawyer.