Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want a washing machine

21 replies

Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 16:34

We’ve just moved into a rented property, first time renters so not sure on our rights.

It’s taking us longer to move in than we expected, one thing after another keeps cropping up with the property, the latest being...the space where it seemed the washing machine would go (largest gap in between cupboards) isn’t where it goes. Turns out it can’t go anywhere Confused the fittings that are needed to plumb it in are behind a fitted cupboard tucked away pretty much inaccessible with no where to actually put the washer!.

Apart from wondering what the hell previous Tenants have done am I being unreasonable to contact the agency (again) and bring this up with them?. Do we have a right to have a washing machine in the property?.
We’ve only had the keys for 4 days and I’m already sick of contacting them.

OP posts:
TwoBlueFish · 01/04/2018 16:46

Did the propertydetails say that there was space and plumbing for a washing machine? If they did then you should be able to ask the agents to rectify it. If they didn’t and you just assumed that it would fit then then they aren’t obligated to fix it,

Original poster
Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 16:49

It didn’t state anything about a washing machine in the listing or when we viewed but correct me if I’m wrong isn’t it a basic living essential Hmm I didn’t think people lived without washing machines these days and there is no laundrette around here, not that it would be convenient to use one, especially with us having a young child.

OP posts:
MrsRonBurgundy · 01/04/2018 17:05

I think that if it isn’t stated in the property details or contract, they don’t have to do anything about it. Not all rentals come with white goods so I’d imagine that’s what they’ll say. Which is a bit rubbish if you can’t physically fit one in!
I’d ask them what previous tenants have done and see what they say.

TwoBlueFish · 01/04/2018 17:10

Washing machines are fairly standard but they aren’t a right. If there really isn’t anywhere to plumb one in then you can buy table top washing machines that you just connect to the tap when using, not ideal but would keep you going until you can move.

llangennith · 01/04/2018 17:14

Ask the agent or landlord if there are fittings for a washing machine and see what he says. Don’t mention that you’ve already found them in an inaccessible place.
You may be able to pick up a second hand washing machine on gumtree or freecycle or through friends.

Original poster
Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 17:19

Well we’re aware not all rentals come with white goods but this didn’t concern us as we have all our own we just stupidly thought all properties would have fittings for these especially accessible ones. I have a feeling we’re going to have several issues with this property. A table top washing would simply not be efficient enough for us.
I suppose all I can do is ask for the fittings to be made accessible seeing as they are in working order. We’re very confused as to why the landlord would have blocked them off with the kitchen cupboard (which is extremely dated so the past several tenants mustn’t have washed their clothes much Hmm).

OP posts:
Original poster
Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 17:20

*Just to add as there seems to be some confusion - we have our own washing machine ( and all other white goods) we didn’t expect the landlord to provide these we just simply want to be able to fit and use ours.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 01/04/2018 17:27

Are then any previous photos that show a machine in situ?
Are there any holes/gaps at the back of the cupboard that would allow you to extend the plumbing pipes?

Dragongirl10 · 01/04/2018 17:28

Op l am a landlord, read your tenancy agreement carefully, if it does not clarify, then contact the landlord/agent and insist they get a plumber to move the fittings to the space for a washing machine, tell them you have a washing machine of your own.

I provide washer dryers for my tenants so am not sure of your rights, but it does not sound unreasonable to get the plumbing sorted to allow for your washing machine to be fitted.

Last case scenario would be to pay for a plumber to move the fittings yourself but you would have to get permission from the landlord first.

Hope you get it sorted.

maggienolia · 01/04/2018 17:32

Daft question but could you get a twin tub? Less fixed plumbing.

Oldraver · 01/04/2018 17:36

Is it possible that the cupboard which is in front of the plumbing can be removed for the washing machine ?

dangermouseisace · 01/04/2018 17:38

YANBU. I remember years ago there wasn't plumbing for a washing machine in the flat we moved into.

We asked the landlady if we could have plumbing for it put in- she was happy to do so and even paid for it, no questions asked. It's worth asking.

19lottie82 · 01/04/2018 17:44

You don’t have any rights here I’m afraid.
Ask the LL if you can pay to get a plumber to adjust the pipes so you can put in your washing machine.

HateTheDF · 01/04/2018 17:51

In our first rented flat me and my DP had no room at all for a washing machine so we just used the local launderette - it cost a fortune and was one of the reasons why we moved flats.

SprinklesandIcecream · 01/04/2018 18:16

Do you have a dishwasher OP?

ToadOfSadness · 01/04/2018 18:22

You can get extra long inlet and outlet pipes, maybe you can put the machine where it looks as if it should be and attach the pipes to the plumbing somehow, perhaps by removing the back of the cupboard. I mention this because our cupboard has no back and the pipes extend to the end of the run of the worktop, washing machine is on the very end, and the pipes are along the back, behind everything.

harshbuttrue1980 · 01/04/2018 19:30

I wouldn't like to live without a washing machine. However, it clearly isn't a basic right or necessity, as there are still laundrettes in most towns so lots of people must go without.

TERFragetteCity · 01/04/2018 19:35

Unless it was in the inventory, id have already drilled a hole through. I'd argue the toss at a later date. And I'd plug it back up again when i left.

brownelephant · 01/04/2018 19:37

yanbu
unless it's a room in a houseshare I would absolutely expect a washer or space & plumbing for one.
ask the agency.

Original poster
Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 21:02

Thanks for you comments everyone, we’re going to contact the estate agents on Tuesday when they’re open and ask if any where we’d find the plumbing for the washer (not mentioning we’ve located it.) and if there isn’t any could they ask the landlord if he’d either arrange for it to be sorted or if we can sort it ourselves (getting a plumber in, luckily my partners uncle is one).
We’re very tempted to just unscrew the cupboard to make it accessible but terrified of the complications when we do eventually move especially with regards to the deposit. We just can’t do without a washing machine so this will be the only option if the land lord isn’t willing to cooperate.
It’s a very large kitchen, definitely bigger than average so we know it’s not due to lack of space.
*we don’t have a dishwasher

OP posts:
Original poster
Sallycinnamon17 · 01/04/2018 21:05

Also we’ve looked in all the bottom cupboards, there are no holes and can’t get round to the back of most of them so would have to make holes to have extended piping to the large gap.
I’ve also looked for laundrettes and the nearest one is 5 miles away Sad

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page