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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think this is totally unreasonable?

77 replies

gallifrey · 04/09/2013 12:51

We have recently moved into a nice (rented) house in a new area. While we were in the estate agents reading the contract it states that we are not permitted to leave the house unattended while the washing machine is on!!
I didn't say anything at the time but was quite bemused by this clause and wondered
a, if they were allowed to do this
b, how would they know?

Every time I put a load of washing on I think about this and it pisses me off!

OP posts:
CocacolaMum · 04/09/2013 12:52

I have never heard of that!? is it your washing machine?

DaddyPigsMistress · 04/09/2013 12:54

What?
surely if it will break it will do so weather it has an audience or is home alone

BlingBang · 04/09/2013 12:56

We might have a similar clause. Will check up on it (though tend to ignore it).

Morgause · 04/09/2013 12:56

My washing machine caught fire and if I hadn't been at home the kitchen would have been even more badly damaged. Maybe the LL had a similar experience.

VeremyJyle · 04/09/2013 12:56

I'm not allowed to put anything on the radiators (causes damp apparently) I was so Shock til someone explained!!!

BrokenSunglasses · 04/09/2013 12:57

Probably to do with insurance.

Safyre · 04/09/2013 12:57

My MiL freaked out when she found out that we regularly go out/go to bed after putting the washing machine on. Apparently it's a fire risk? I can't say I take this into account now that I know about it.

ViviPru · 04/09/2013 12:58

Washing machine fires are quite common, apparently - here's an account of one.

LaGuardia · 04/09/2013 12:58

It is a standard clause now. You wouldn't go out and leave the tv on in an empty house, would you? Same thing.

ExitPursuedByADragon · 04/09/2013 12:58

I read that as you couldn't leave the house by yourself when the washing machine was on Confused

Wasn't there a thread recently about a dryer catching fire and that they should not be left running overnight?

Dahlen · 04/09/2013 12:59

Bizarre!

No idea if they're allowed to do that, but I'd have thought that the landlord can include any clauses they like as long as they are not illegal. The onus is on the prospective tenant to refuse the contract unless the clause is removed. Signing the contract means you have accepted the terms however unreasonable they are.

I wonder if they know that either the washing machine/plumbing is dodgy, or they have been previously scarred by this at great financial expense and so just have a 'thing' about it.

There's no way they would know though, unless said washing machine breaks down and causes a flood that becomes significant because no one was there to turn off the water, etc.

BlingBang · 04/09/2013 12:59

Yes, think most fires are caused by kitchen appliances. I had similar once, had to chuck my tumble dryer? (can't remember) out into the garden as some was coming from it. Amazing the strength you can fid when you have to.

SirChenjin · 04/09/2013 12:59

The fire service recommend that you don't leave a washing machine on when you're not in the house - it's a fire hazard apparently. Maybe your LL has had a similar experience?

Myliferocks · 04/09/2013 12:59

My local washing machine repairman once told me that you shouldn't go out and leave a washing machine running although he did say that it was something everybody did including him!

ViviPru · 04/09/2013 12:59

(well that's a dishwasher but the same principle)

KissMeHardy · 04/09/2013 12:59

Put washing machine on, went up for a shower. Came down and washing machine was on fire.

Wise Landlord imo !

ViviPru · 04/09/2013 13:03

Anyone remember Tony and Vivian smith who had TWO separate unrelated incidents of appliance fire within a week? Horrendous Sad

Original poster
gallifrey · 04/09/2013 13:06

I put a load on just now and then thought I'm not allowed to go out now for 2 hours!

OP posts:
ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 04/09/2013 13:06

I wouldn't leave the washing machine, drier or dishwasher on if no one was in the house or we were in bed. I know someone who nearly lost her entire house to a fire started in their dishwasher.

HerrenaHarridan · 04/09/2013 13:06

Well I never, you learn something new everyday.

I suppose anything tha combines electric and water is a fire hazard.

I do this as a matter or routine, hmmm

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 04/09/2013 13:07

I never do that anyway although I've not been told to...it's dangerous.

IneedAsockamnesty · 04/09/2013 13:08

Oh bloody hell now I'm a bit nervy about doing laundry Grin

5Foot5 · 04/09/2013 13:10

Oh crikey. Guess who came to work this morning leaving both the washing machine and the dish washer on? But if I didn't put the washer on in the morning or over night it would be really hard to keep on top of the wash basket.

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 04/09/2013 13:10

You wouldn't leave the cooker on or the mower running....

IThinkOfHappyWhenIThinkOfYou · 04/09/2013 13:12

I think washing machines are the appliance most likely to catch fire, something to do with friction. The only reason LL will know is if the house goes on fire while you are out.