Question about renting

[AlistairSim]

Can anyone tell me if a landlord has a legal responsibilty for the upkeep/maintenance of the appliances in a rental property?

Our landlord has decided not to repair/replace the dishwasher and whilst I agree that it would be expensive, surely that's one of the pitfalls of being a landlord!
One of the reasons we rented this property was the fact it had a dishwasher.

If it is on the inventory then he should repair/replace if defunct unless due to misuse. However I think this is a moral rather than legal responsibility.

Thanks, LIZS.

It is on the inventory and it also says in the tenancy agreement that the landlord is responsible for upkeep of all appliances unless damaged by our misuse (which isn't the case).

Should I push it, do you think?
I feel really pissy at them just deciding they won't bother replacing something but will still be happily accepting our money.

Try writing to him and saying that you need a dishwasher, it was part of the reason that you took the place and since he doesn't want to repair it, you would like to discuss a rent reduction as you no longer have the amenities that were advertised. Hopefully that will focus him a little. (I'm a LL by the way and think it would be shameful not to replace a major appliance that breaks down.)

DH is an "accidental landlord". He let his property when he relocated to be with me. Between his children and my house he found homes for everything except the cooker. He was going to have that removed but the tenant requested that it be left. He did so as a goodwill gesture and is therefore responsible for each and every repair. Should it reach the state of non-repair he will have to replace it. Had he sold it to the tenant for a nominal sum (£1) instead, it would be the tenant's problem.

IMO, your landlord must replace the dishwasher.

Thanks.

I have emailed the agents to ask about a rent reduction and have been non-demanding and non-confrontational....so far.

Right.
Update.

The landlords are insisting that they are not legally responsible for replacing the dishwasher, despite it being in the tenancy agreement.
They have offered £10 a month rent reduction....for 2 months. A that time a new lease will need to be signed (prolly with a wacking great rent increase!)

Any ideas??

move out, o to cab and et a housin solicitor, rent your own dishwasher?

As an extra word of advice... you don't have to sign a new tenancy agreement if you don't want to. If you don't sign a new one you automatically go onto a statutory periodic tenancy.

Register with the Letting Agents as if looking for a new property. Specify that you will only consider those with a dishwasher. That might put the wind up the Landlord. I bet they'd rather you stayed for the next term than have to go through the whole re-letting process all for a poxy £300 or so.