Asking for reduced rent

[Jurassiclover]

Hey guys,

So got a bit of an AIBU/WWYD situation.

Moved into a private rented flat 4 months ago, the flat included some appliances so came with integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and a combi washer/dryer.

First month in the property there were no issues at all, although it is a bit expensive i was really happy with it. Then the washer/dryer started to play up. Started with the door jamming any time we used the dry function and the only way to fix it was to unplug it and leave it for approx 15 minutes and then re-plug it in and the door would un-jam. Was a bit inconvenient but not the end of the world so didn't tell the landlord (aware this is a big mistake). Following that then the dry function stopped working all together, so clothes were coming out steaming hot but still dripping wet.

At this point i decided to get in touch with landlord (well it's more a letting company than individual landlord). It took ages to get an engineer out and when they did eventually come out they checked a few things on the dryer and told me it was working fine but to get back in touch if we had any other issues. Right after the engineer left i tested it and it still wasn't actually drying anything (aware i probably should've tested it when the engineer was there but this is my first time ever moving out and just assumed he would've been able to tell if it was working etc). So called landlord again who arranged another visit.

The second visit the engineer admitted he hadn't actually been sent to fix the appliance but just to explain that combi washer/dryers don't dry as well and not to expect much (wtf?!?), but he actually tested putting something dry in whilst there and it came out wet so he agreed it was broken and called landlord while there who said he would arrange another visit.

We finally have another visit organised only to get a call today saying the engineer has managed to double book so we have to wait until next week now. Both me and DP work full time so we have to either take time off work or get my DM to sit in for the engineer visits and i feel so sorry for her having to deal with this. On top of all this we have now discovered the dishwasher doesn't work and doesn't appear to even be connected to a water supply.

So my AIBU/WWYD is would i be unreasonable to ask for a rent reduction due to all of this. 3 months out of the 4 i've lived there the appliances haven't been working and i have had to buy electric clothes horses just to get clothes dry quicker as the place doesn't have proper radiators (more electric space heater type things) so we can't even dry stuff the usual way.

The rent isn't cheap either we could get a 2 bed flat for almost half the price in the same area but these are new builds and were decorated exactly how i wanted with appliances so i assumed less hassle etc - evidently not. I'm just not sure if its reasonable to ask for a rent reduction since technically my rent also pays for the inclusion of appliances which aren't even working :(

Thank you to anyone who read this far haha, this was way longer than i expected haha.

[theruffles]

You could ask for a reduction in rent but I'm not sure you'd get it. The landlord has arranged for the appliances to be fixed (or at least the ones they know about). It is annoying having to wait in for things to be fixed but I think it's just one of those things you have to accept. I can understand wanting the washer/dryer fixed but a dishwasher isn't really an essential if you have a sink. If it was, say, the oven or the shower that was broken I think asking for a rent reduction would be more justified, but a broken washer/dryer and dishwasher isn't really the same.

[schafernaker]

You agreed to the price of the rent so complaining it is expensive comparative to other properties is neither here nor there.

Things break, and it sounds like your landlord has been reasonable in trying to get the situation sorted. I’d be surprised if he would reduce the rent. You didn’t inform him of the initial problem so I don’t think you can blame him you have been there for 3/4 months with appliances that aren’t working correctly.

He may reimburse you for a clothes horse 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’d wait and see how the repair goes and if it isn’t repaired insist on a new appliance ASAP

[MrsMaiselsMuff]

Also agree with above, a normal clothes horse would be adequate. If you're using an electric one be careful you don't end up with mould!

[HermioneKipper]

You can ask but unlikely you’ll get anything in my experience.

[MrsMaiselsMuff]

No harm in asking but any reduction would be minimal. Can you ask for a Saturday morning appointment, or last call, and/ or them to call when they're on the way?

The fact that the rent is high is irrelevant, you chose to pay it.

[SillyMoomin]

I'm not sure what you expect the landlord to do. Each time you've contacted him, he's called out an engineer. It's not the landlords fault the engineer double booked himself.
I have electric storage heaters and manage to dry clothes fine on a clothes horse.
If the place is expensive for you, then look to move to a cheaper property