Landlords - question re. appliances

[belledejour]

Hi there. Am currently refurbishing a flat for rental and need to buy new kitchen appliances - oven, fridge-freezer and washing machine. It goes against the grain with me to buy cheapo appliances that I know will end up in landfill in 5 yrs (or earlier!) but then if I am doing up a flat for rental is it more sensible/realistic to buy cheaper options so I won't be so gutted when the tenants break the doors/fridge shelves/never clean the oven? Any advice gratefully received.

can you take out extended insurance on them then their value is neither here nor there and they will be replaced or repaired as required.

I bought the recommended cheap simple washing machine when I rented out my house, expecting to replace it every three years. Was still working happily eight years later. Luck of the draw with these things. Main thing is get one with a big load capacity and with no filter to clean.

Replaced a fridge/freezer which then mysteriously lost shelves. Sodding checkout clerk never noticed. I've never broken a fridge shelf but there you go - however the replacements are only about £30 so not a big deal.

oh -make copies of the instructions and leave the copies in the property. Keep the originals.

Where possible you should look to buy second hand from ebay/ gumtree - this has saved me a fortune over the years. I only buy new if can't find a second hand deal at the time. Freecycle can also be a useful source. Beko is actually pretty good for washer and fridges. I own a lot of properties and haven't had any issues with my above method. The most important thing about any appliance (and your flat when you go to let it) is must be CLEAN.

Also, if buying new I tend to avoid the larger multiples and go to a smaller independent shops, call them and inform them of the price I can get it for, they usually price match - but the service is a million times better than if had been with a big chain. Independent stores will usually give you a proper appt time, take away old/ install etc.

I would have a second-hand electrical item in my home - but I agree that for tenants, it is probably worth a PAT test.

Ive never left anything except the built in cooker.

Im not supplying somebody with white goods-why should I?

Thanks so much for very varying advice from buying second hand to buying most expensive! Lots to think about here. Think I will try and buy cheaper models from reasonable brands. Wish me luck!