To Not Buy Tenants a New Microwave?

[Applefruitcake]

Hi, just trying to figure out what would be 'expected' in this situation. New tenants have asked for the microwave to be replaced because its old. It is honestly old but in full working condition (tenants have confirmed), it had been professionally cleaned but it is used so has some staining.

First of all, would you even expect for a microwave to be provided in a furnished property? Is it a 'standard' appliance? Second, is it expected of landlords to replace items for aesthetic reasons only?

Sorry, I'm new to all this

@Applefruitcake

I'm not against buying the microwave itself as I want to keep them happy, I'm more worried that it will set a precedent for the future...

I have been a tenant myself for many years (always furnished) and I've always expected furnishings to have been used by others and would have expected reasonable wear and tear.

How many old and stained appliances does your property contain then?

@Sarcobaleno

Very curious as to what constitutes an old microwave? Our microwave is about 20 years old and my mum's is about 35. Too old?

Whatever you're happy with.

You're not making money for providing it. It's you using it.

35 years is too old I'd say. But, as I said, up to you.

@hannahbanana2007

I can't believe that out of all the replies so far only about 2 have mentioned how wasteful this would be and how bad for the environment?! If an appliance works, why on earth would you get a new one just to make up for it being stained or to prove you aren't a stingy landlord - it's madness and really depressing tbh

I replaced my last microwave because it was old and had started to rust. Old microwaves can be very dangerous.

Longtime renter here.
Microwaves are generally not considered white goods.
Fridge/freezer, washer, dryer, that's it.

You don't have to replace it. But equally very old appliances can be a fire risk.

I'd get it PATS tested and can it if it fails, bin it, and tell tenants to get their own.

I was never a fan of LL's but I have to admit that my last two have been brilliant. Our current bought us new white goods, our previous lived 10 mins away and was quick to sort issues, also replaced all heaters in the house.

Also yes to the fact that stain doesn't mean old!
Curry, some berries and a couple of other ingredients can stain irremovably.

@Applefruitcake

Wow £10-15 for a microwave?? 😶 Even if they did exist, they would probably break the next day. I personally don't own a microwave, so it's hard to tell if it's 'essential' for others

Does it really matter if it's essential for others?! It's obviously essential to the tenant and honestly - they are paying your mortgage. A little goes a long way. If show a little kindness and respect they will treat your property the same.

Why do some landlords think they only have to do the bare minimum? Your tenants are human beings and should live in a house that's of the same standards as you'd expect of your own home. Some landlords seriously just take the p*ss

(Yes I have a huge bee in my bonnet right now with landlords).

*mean manky.
Anything more than 10 years I'd consider dangerous

@sanbeiji

Longtime renter here. Microwaves are generally not considered white goods. Fridge/freezer, washer, dryer, that's it.

You don't have to replace it. But equally very old appliances can be a fire risk.

I'd get it PATS tested and can it if it fails, bin it, and tell tenants to get their own.

I was never a fan of LL's but I have to admit that my last two have been brilliant. Our current bought us new white goods, our previous lived 10 mins away and was quick to sort issues, also replaced all heaters in the house.

IT'S IN THE INVENTORY!

I don't have a microwave in my home nor in my rental property. I probably wouldn't replace one that works and which the tenants saw before they rented the flat. I try and price my property to reflect its condition and the appliances that are provided.

A microwave would be standard yes.

Re staining - if it’s a student/basic flat I’d say suck it up, but otherwise it shouldn’t be stained should it? Also assuming you had it safety tested.

Very curious as to what constitutes an old microwave? Our microwave is about 20 years old and my mum's is about 35. Too old?

I'd been cautious with anything more than 10 yrs old.

You’re “new to this” and asking questions on mumsnet. Perhaps you shouldn’t be a landlord!

I can't believe that out of all the replies so far only about 2 have mentioned how wasteful this would be and how bad for the environment?!

An older microwave could easily be less energy efficient

I read the thread but can see if this was answered: @Applefruitcake how old is the microwave (what year did you buy it)?

@hannahbanana2007

I can't believe that out of all the replies so far only about 2 have mentioned how wasteful this would be and how bad for the environment?! If an appliance works, why on earth would you get a new one just to make up for it being stained or to prove you aren't a stingy landlord - it's madness and really depressing tbh

@hannahbanana2007

You're totally right about the environmental impact but equally, being the tenant in this situation is unpleasant (using someone's old microwave with unknown staining).

The solution is to not add it to the inventory. I'd be happy as a tenant, to buy my own microwave with stains and use for years, not someone else's (for all the money I pay in rent).

I wouldn't expect a microwave to be included, and I don't think a landlord should have to replace a minor appliance for cosmetic reasons. If it bothered me, I'd buy my own and keep the old one to leave behind when I moved.

Tbh, whether or not I'd replace it would depend on a few things, such as how old the microwave is, how much I'm making from the tenants, and my relationship with the tenants. If they seem like good tenants and you have a pleasant relationship with them, it might be worth a small investment to keep them happy, but I wouldn't bend over backwards to please someone I didn't like. If it's working, a replacement's not strictly necessary, and they always have the option of buying a new one of their own.

[quote Applefruitcake]@nowayoutonlydown
"It's also a really poor show if they won't just replace a microwave themselves, how far will this attitude go? New toaster? New kettle?....New light bulbs because the ones left in the property have blown?"

Well, this is exactly what I'm worried about, not really the microwave itself[/quote]
I think you should replace it.
Especially with the situation with the costs of energy rising, they may be intending to use this as their main way of heating food.
Microwaving food to heat it up will be much cheaper than using an oven.
The decent thing to do is to replace it with an energy efficient microwave.

I've been a landlord over 20 years and never provided a microwave.

I supply and replace as necessary a fridge freezer, cooker and washing machine.

A microwave would be regarded as a portable electric appliance like a kettle or toaster and something tenants supply for themselves and take with them when they leave.

I'm not a stingy landlord. I supply good quality accommodation and my tenants generally stay for many years.

@Jedsnewstar

Old microwaves are dangerous as they can leak.

You can also pick them up for £10-£15 in Asda etc.

Since when?! I remember moving out for the first time and being totally shocked at how expensive they actually are - cheapest one at George @ Asda online is £44, Argos and curry’s £55.

@jackstini

Is it in the inventory? If so, you definitely should

I'm a landlord and for the sake of £20 I would replace anyway as may be a fire risk

Anything more expensive I would replace when it broke, but not for aesthetic reasons

Where can you get one for £20?

Would you have it in your own home? If not, replace it. Have some respect for your tenants . They don’t deserve second best because they are renting ( yes , I know, it works. Etc etc but if you wouldn’t have it in your house, why should they have it in theirs?)

@adriftabroad
Something being in the inventory doesn’t make it LL’s responsibility.

blog.fantasticservices.com/white-goods-landlord-responsibilities/

Inventory is only meant to ensure property is handed back in good condition with appropriate fixtures/fittings.

Whether it’s OP’s responsibility, and what the specific white goods are depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement.

In mine white goods were specifically named . Sometimes a microwave was left but this wasn’t mention in the contract. For my last two places I bought my own and have carried it along since.

Don't be such a tight arsed landlord

I'm a landlord and make sure that our properties are well looked after. A tenant had left a microwave in one but we didn't include it on the inventory. New people moved in and said they wanted it replaced. I explained it was left and was happy to dispose of it and if they wanted a new one they were welcome to get one. All the repairs are carried out quickly and large white goods replaced when faulty as is absolutely our responsibility but no to microwaves and especially a working one. Check what you had on your inventory, if it's not on there then no need to replace it.

@Applefruitcake

Wow £10-15 for a microwave?? 😶 Even if they did exist, they would probably break the next day. I personally don't own a microwave, so it's hard to tell if it's 'essential' for others

Mine was £20 and lasted me my tenancy for 5.5 years, still working but I left it when I moved out.