Rented flat - question

[DSM]

This might not be a legal question.. I'm not sure where to put it but I need some help.

We rent privately through a letting agent. Our washing machine has been broken for 3 weeks now and apparently the landlord isn't very forthcoming with the replacement - he wants to shop around and at the moment, we have no idea when we will get a new one.

Obviously all communication is done through the letting agents, not directly between us and the landlord.

Do we have any case or right to claim anything for the length of time we haven't had this basic amenity? I can't seem to find anything online other than that they must provide white goods, I can't find anything relating to repair/replacement.

We are in Scotland and the machine broke because a part wore out, not due to our fault or anything. It is at the very least 5 years old as it was in place (and obviously not new) when we moved in.

Any help at all would be so appreciated.

InE&W it would only be the obligation of the LL if it was part of the contents listed in the inventory. Don't know whether Scots law is any different.

Oh - well it's definitely listed on the inventory.

As far as I can gather they are looking into replacing it, but it's been over 3 weeks now.. How long can they reasonably go on for? And can I do anything about it?

Anyone able to help?

When this happened to us - listed on the inventory as well - we took all our washing to local laundarette and presented them with the bill for getting our washing done, not only did they pay up, they had a washing machine sorted in a few days.

At £30 a week for laundry, it soon became cheaper for the Landlord to just buy one rather than shop around - who knew laundarettes don't like DHs dirty rugby kit to wash and charge more!

We're in Scotland too - I know nothing about where we stood legally with this but it certainly worked.

Thanks.

My mum has been doing our washing so I can't make a claim with receipts.. But obviously it's been a HUGE pain for the past 3 weeks, not to mention costing us in petrol to ferry clothes about.

Thins break, I understand and have never made an issue before but I really feel we should have some kind of rent reduction or something for not having a washing machine for what will be over a month.

Anyone have any advice to offer? Do we just have to put up with no laundry washing facilities for a month?

Contact your agent, ask for a definitive date in an email. Comment that as three weeks have now passed, unable to continue like this, will have to use launderette with obvious costs which will need to be reimbursed. Expect reply within 48 hrs.

If your feeling cheeky, you can tell them u have been using washing services up to now you havebt charged for this, but will start.

Do not withhold your rent!! Often ppl try this.

Thank you. Called letting agent again, they just said they can't give me a definitive date as they are waiting to hear from landlord.

I reiterated that this has cost us a fortune but he didn't say anything. Should I send an email? I don't know what to do but I feel that a month without a washing machine is unfair.

when this happend to us we called the landlord. we offered to buy the new mashine and get reimbursed. 2 days and sorted, the check from the ll was in the post after about about a week.

yes, always follow up a phone call with an email.