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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Landlord vs in situ washing machine

56 replies

JParkson · 27/07/2017 17:52

Hi everyone

I'm posting here for traffic.

I rent a house, have lived here for 2+ years. The house came with a washing machine and cooker.

They were both on the inventory. The washing machine was mouldy when I moved in. I cleaned it and have used it since even though it's prone to mould.

It packed up over the weekend, electrical fault traced to the main circuit board.

The agency are aware, got their repair dude to check it, contacted the landlord and said they'd let me know whether he's repair it or not.

My landlord has now turned around and said that actually the machine was left by a previous tenant (his family!) and therefore he's not replacing or repairing it.

The agency aren't being much help either. I've pushed that it's on the inventory, and checked my contract but it's rather vague about the Landlord's obligations.

Do I have a leg to stand on or do I have to fork out for a replacement machine?

Thank you for any advice.

OP posts:
AdalindSchade · 27/07/2017 17:55

You probably need to get your own. It's hardly surprising that an old washing machine has packed up after several years. Most renters have to buy their own washing machine.

WheresLarry · 27/07/2017 17:56

I believe that if it is on the inventory then the landlord has assumed responsibility for it and so should be responsible for repair or replacement.

WheresLarry · 27/07/2017 17:57

Although I am in no way qualified to back that up. My opinion nothing more.

Witsender · 27/07/2017 17:58

If on inventory then his, if not then presumably 'gifted'.

lanouvelleheloise · 27/07/2017 17:58

WheresLarry's answer makes sense and chimes with my understanding, too, but I'm no expert.

blackteaplease · 27/07/2017 17:59

I always thought that if the house came with white goods they were the responsibility of the landlord.

Would the CAB be able to help?

Needsomeflapjacks · 27/07/2017 18:00

Keep the broken one to leave when you move. .

Original poster
JParkson · 27/07/2017 18:03

Adalind I'm prepared to replace it but only if I can take it with me when my lease expires.

WheresLarry thats what my BF and his dad say - it's on the inventory, it's his responsibility.

OP posts:
jawuwuma · 27/07/2017 18:06

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Original poster
JParkson · 27/07/2017 18:12

BlackTea not sure about the CAB. My BF reckons trading standards?

flapjack my thinking is to get the LL to remove the dud one, I'll buy a new one but the inventory has to be changed to reflect that from this date forward the washing machine in situ is mine and is not subject to house inspections and inventory checks.

OP posts:
UserThenLotsOfNumbers · 27/07/2017 18:12

So they are happy to accept the "gift" of the washing machine from the previous tenant but not assume responsibility for it? Lovely.

I agree with PP about the fact it's on the inventory means they have responsibility for it, but perhaps get some professional advice on this? That said it may just be easier to buy your own machine and take it with you when you move!

I sympathise as I was once without a washing machine for three months, because landlord only accepted the machine was broken once the poor washing machine engineer injured himself trying to repair it! Makes me sick when you think of how much rent these people rake in and they can't replace a washing machine for a few hundred pounds.

Good luck OP!

worridmum · 27/07/2017 18:13

what ever you do NOT replace it as it is on the inventory there must be a washing machine in the flat when you leave, sadly its a common trick some scummy landlords do as they know they can keep the new stuff or get money for a replacement from the deposit.

Insist its replaced as its on the inentory its up to him to replace

Bokky · 27/07/2017 18:18

When we rented a house out, our agency told us that we were told that anything on the inventory was our responsibility.

gareyuho · 27/07/2017 18:23

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Original poster
JParkson · 27/07/2017 18:48

Who could I ask for professional advice? Is that going to be CAB?

OP posts:
Sprinklestar · 27/07/2017 19:20

It's on the inventory, hence it's the landlord's responsibility.

Allthewaves · 27/07/2017 19:22

It's landlords responsibility. If he won't budge get him to remove and take it off inventory.

Chattymummyhere · 27/07/2017 19:26

If it's on the inventory it's his responsibility. Add for the fact they sent a man to fix/diagnose it adds to the case that it is property of the landlord.

HoneyIshrunktheBiscuit · 27/07/2017 19:26

Most tenants do not buy their own washing machine. I've never rented somewhere without one.

ScoobyDoosTinklyLaugh · 27/07/2017 19:28

Try ringing shelter - they're normally good for renting issue stuff.

I'm under the impression that if the property includes white goods then the landlord is responsible for repairs and replacements.

If you do end up being forced to buy a replacement, don't get rid of the old knackered one and leave that one when you leave and take your shiny new one with you.

user1498726699 · 27/07/2017 19:28

LL's responsibility in the same way he's responsible if the boiler needing repairs or replacement IME.

If he refuses to repair he is in breach of contract.

Shelter can advise. Call their helpline. On their website they have a section about LL's obligations.

Windycityblues · 27/07/2017 19:33

If the landlord leaves something on the inventory it is theirs and should be replaced, my dsis rented out her house while abroad and stated she was gifting the white goods and would not be replacing them if broken. When we did the same we kept them on the inventory except for the microwave and a spare fridge and replaced any that broke while we were letting.
I have in the past rented in flats that had white goods and those that didn't. If it is not written anywhere that the white goods were not part of the inventory then they have to be replaced.

HaudYerWheeshtBawbag · 27/07/2017 19:38

It solely depends o the wording of the contract, just because it's on the inventory does not mean the landlord is responsible for repairs or renewal.

It's not the same as a boiler at all, a boiler is an essential fixture of the property, a washing machine is not.

However you can't dispose of it, that's the LL responsibility, as this machine is on the inventory.

bbcessex · 27/07/2017 19:44

OP
Do you have the agent's details of the flat before you rented it?

I advertise my flat as 'white goods included'. Hence I am liable for repair / replacement...

One tenant , years ago, asked if she could replace an aged washing machine with one she would fund herself, on the basis I put it in writing that it was hers to take with her on leaving.

I would lean toward the washer being the landlord's responsibility if it's on the inventory and nothing to suggest it's gifted.

EssentialHummus · 27/07/2017 19:44

What others have said. Landlords tend not to want to be responsible for electrical goods because (I think) they then need to test and certify them.