We moved into rented property in September. All good since then. All contact through letting agent, no sign of landlord whatsoever (not an issue from our side, just background).
Our washing machine, which was included in the property (built into a kitchen cupboard) has packed up - this was Friday night. Partner opened it when he thought it had finished running; all the lights were flashing madly and it was half full of water. Partner, being a bit dippy, opened it, obviously water spilt everywhere. All fine, we mopped it up. Partner checked all other appliances - no issues with clocks flashing on oven etc so not a power issue for the whole house. He set it off again, thinking it was a one-off. It happened again, but this time the machine has locked up, 3/4 full of water, and all our dark clothes.
I got home, tried to run a drain-only cycle - no doing.
Partner called the letting agent (LA) first thing Saturday, and they said they’d contact him after they’d spoken to the landlord. About 4 hours went by and he didn’t hear anything (I was working all Saturday), so, frustrated that we hadn’t had any news, I sent over an email letting them know what was going on, and telling them we need a resolution (have a child, we need to be able to use the machine we’re paying for, etc).
I then rang the property department directly (LA had replied to the email and gave me their direct phone number) and they said they’d give the landlord a call and see what he wanted to do. LA rang me back, said landlord didn’t want to call out an emergency plumber, apparently the washing machine is within warranty, so he wants to call the manufacturer. LA apologetically said that this meant it was out of her hands.
I enquired (as calmly as possible, thinking of our stagnating clothes) whether there would be a reduction in our rent this month given that we can’t use the machine that is an appliance which our rent takes into account, and that as our other clothes will need washing soon, whether the agency will be covering the laundromat charges we’ll end up using (no local family we can ask). LA got a bit flustered and said she’d ask her manager and would call me back first thing Monday. Landlord apparently has no idea where the guarantee documents actually are, so even if LA calls us back Monday, god knows when the thing will actually be fixed!!
Here (at last, thanks if you got this far!!) is my AIBU:
AIBU to ask if anyone can advise where, legally, I stand on this? I’ve read through the contract and it doesn’t mention this specifically. Are we required to pay the full rent if we’re not getting the use of the appliances which are included as a part of it? Rent would obviously be lower if white goods are not included. If our clothes are mouldy and no good after however long in the washer, will we be able to claim on any replacements?
Any advice welcome!