Understanding Appliance Repairs in Rental Properties
When you rent a home, the appliances provided by your landlord – such as fridges, cookers, ovens, washing machines, or dishwashers – are essential for daily life. Appliance repairs refer to fixing or maintaining these items when they break down or stop working properly. This could include anything from a faulty hob to a leaking washing machine.
Keeping appliances in good working order is important for both your safety and comfort. A broken cooker can make it difficult to prepare meals, while a malfunctioning fridge could spoil your food. In some cases, faulty appliances can even pose health or fire risks. That’s why it’s vital to address any issues as soon as they arise.
The responsibility for appliance repairs in rented homes depends on your tenancy agreement and the type of appliance. Generally, landlords are responsible for repairing or replacing appliances they have supplied as part of the rental. Tenants, on the other hand, are expected to use these appliances correctly and report any problems promptly. If you accidentally damage an appliance, you may be responsible for the cost of repair.
Understanding who is responsible for what can sometimes be confusing. For a wider look at how repairs and maintenance are handled in rented homes, including rules around other parts of the property, see our guide to Repairs and Maintenance in Rented Homes: Legal Overview.
If you’re unsure about your rights or your landlord’s obligations, always check your tenancy agreement and seek advice if needed. Acting quickly when something goes wrong helps ensure your home stays safe and comfortable.
Landlord Responsibilities for Appliance Repairs
Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to ensure that appliances provided with a rented property are safe and in good working order. This responsibility is part of their broader obligation to keep the home fit for habitation and free from hazards.
Which Appliances Must Landlords Repair or Replace?
If your tenancy agreement includes appliances – such as cookers, fridges, washing machines, or boilers – your landlord is usually responsible for repairing or replacing them if they break down through normal use. This applies whether the appliance was already in the property when you moved in or was supplied as part of your rental agreement.
However, if you brought your own appliances to the property, you are typically responsible for their upkeep and repairs.
Legal Duties and Safety Standards
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep installations for the supply of gas, electricity, and water in repair and proper working order. This includes boilers, water heaters, and central heating systems. For more detailed information on these legal obligations, you can read the guidance from Shelter England on repairs under section 11.
Landlords must also ensure all appliances meet safety standards. For example, gas appliances must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Responding to Repair Requests
When you report a problem with an appliance, your landlord should respond promptly. While the law does not set exact timeframes, urgent repairs – such as a broken boiler in winter – should be tackled as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. Less urgent issues, like a faulty washing machine, should still be resolved within a reasonable period, often within 14 days.
If you want to understand more about what landlords are required to repair beyond appliances, see our guide on what your landlord has to repair.
What If Repairs Are Not Carried Out?
If your landlord delays or refuses to repair appliances they are responsible for, you have options. You can remind them of their legal duties and escalate the issue if needed. For further steps and support, you may wish to seek advice from independent organisations or local authorities.
Understanding your landlord’s responsibilities helps you keep your home safe and comfortable. If you need more information on your rights as a tenant, helpful resources and advice are available to guide you through the process.
Tenant Responsibilities and Reporting Appliance Problems
As a tenant, you play an important role in keeping your rented home safe and functional. One of your key responsibilities is to report any appliance faults or breakdowns as soon as you notice them. Prompt reporting helps prevent minor issues from turning into bigger, more costly problems. For example, a leaking washing machine could cause water damage if left unchecked, which may affect your deposit or even lead to disputes with your landlord.
How to Report Appliance Issues
When you spot a problem with an appliance provided by your landlord, it’s best to contact them or their managing agent straight away. Reporting issues in writing – by email or through an online portal if available – creates a clear record of your request. Be specific about the problem, including details such as when you first noticed it and how it affects your daily use. If possible, attach photos to help explain the issue.
For step-by-step guidance on how to make an effective repair request, see our page on How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord: Your Rights and Steps.
You can also find practical advice from trusted organisations. Shelter England offers a helpful guide on how to report repairs to a private landlord, including tips on what information to include and why written communication is important.
Keeping Records
It’s essential to keep copies of all repair requests and any responses you receive from your landlord or agent. Save emails, letters, and notes of phone calls, including dates and times. These records can be vital if there are delays, disagreements, or if you need to prove you reported the problem promptly.
If you’re unsure how to word your request, you might find it useful to use a template, such as this sample letter for requesting repairs. Using a template ensures you cover all the necessary details, making it easier for your landlord to understand and act on your request.
By acting quickly and keeping good records, you help protect your rights and make it more likely that repairs will be dealt with efficiently.
What to Do If Repairs Are Delayed or Not Done
If your landlord does not carry out appliance repairs promptly, you have several options to help resolve the issue. Start by checking your tenancy agreement to confirm who is responsible for the repair. If it is your landlord’s duty, make sure you have reported the problem in writing and kept records of all communication.
If repairs are delayed or ignored, you should follow up with your landlord or letting agent. Clearly state the problem, the date you first reported it, and ask for a timeline for repairs. Keep copies of any emails, letters, or messages as evidence.
If your landlord still fails to act, you can escalate your complaint. One way is to use your landlord’s formal complaints procedure, if they have one. If you rent from a council or housing association, you can contact their complaints team directly. For private tenants, you may need to contact the letting agent or use a redress scheme if the agent is a member.
If these steps do not work, you can get help from your local council’s environmental health department. They have the power to inspect your home and order your landlord to carry out repairs if the problem affects your health or safety. This is especially important if the faulty appliance is essential, such as a cooker or fridge.
You can also seek independent advice and support. For a step-by-step guide on how to escalate complaints and what to do if your landlord ignores repair requests, see our detailed guidance on complaining and escalating repairs issues. Social housing tenants can find further help from Citizens Advice’s guide to complaining about your landlord’s failure to make repairs.
Remember, you should not stop paying rent because of outstanding repairs, as this could put your tenancy at risk. If you are unsure about your rights or need more support, consider speaking to a local advice centre or a tenant support organisation.
Handling Disputes and Repair Costs
When disputes arise over appliance repairs in a rented home, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Here’s what you should do if your landlord refuses to pay for repairs, sends you a repair invoice, or tries to deduct repair costs from your deposit.
If Your Landlord Refuses or Won’t Pay for Repairs
If your landlord is unwilling to repair or replace a faulty appliance, start by putting your request in writing and keeping records of all communication. This creates a clear paper trail. If the landlord still refuses to act, you may need to escalate the issue. For a step-by-step guide on what to do in these situations, see our advice on what to do if your landlord refuses or won’t pay for repairs.
Dealing with Repair Invoices from Your Landlord
Sometimes, a landlord might arrange a repair themselves and then send you the bill. In most cases, landlords are responsible for repairs to appliances they supplied, unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise. Don’t feel pressured to pay an invoice you don’t think you owe. If you receive a repair bill, check your tenancy agreement and seek advice before paying. Learn more about what to do if your landlord sends you a repair invoice in the UK.
Deposit Deductions for Repairs
At the end of your tenancy, your landlord may try to deduct money from your deposit to cover repair costs. They can only do this if you caused the damage through misuse or neglect. Ordinary wear and tear should not result in deductions. If you disagree with a deduction, you have the right to challenge it through the deposit protection scheme’s dispute service. For practical tips on disputing unfair charges, read our guide on how to handle deposit deductions and disputes as a tenant.
You can also refer to the official Tenancy deposit protection: Overview – GOV.UK for details on how your deposit is protected and how disputes are resolved.
Protecting Yourself from Unfair Treatment
If you feel your landlord is treating you unfairly or not fulfilling their legal obligations, it’s important to know your options. Understanding your rights can help you get essential repairs done quickly and avoid unnecessary costs. For more on your legal protections and how to take action, see our section on protecting yourself from unfair treatment.
By knowing your rights and acting promptly, you can handle disputes with confidence and ensure your home remains safe and functional.
Additional Tips and Related Repair Topics
Keeping your appliances in good working order is just one part of maintaining a safe and comfortable rented home. If you’re dealing with wider repair issues, it can be helpful to understand your rights around other common problems. For example, you might also want to learn about kitchen repairs and what your landlord must do, or how responsibilities work when it comes to leaks and roof repairs in rented homes. These topics can give you a broader picture of your rights and your landlord’s duties.
If an appliance breaks down, check whether it’s still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a retailer’s guarantee. You may be able to get it repaired or replaced at no cost, saving time and hassle. For more on this, see our guide on how to claim under a warranty or guarantee in the UK.
Sometimes, landlords fail to carry out essential repairs despite being notified. In serious cases, tenants may consider withholding rent, but this is a big step and must be done lawfully to avoid eviction or legal trouble. Make sure you understand the rules by reading about when you can legally withhold rent from your landlord. Always keep written records of your requests for repairs and any responses from your landlord.
To help keep your home safe, regularly check appliances for signs of wear or damage, and report problems as soon as they arise. Simple steps like cleaning filters or not overloading sockets can help prevent breakdowns and keep everything running smoothly.
If you have questions about your rights, need help communicating with your landlord, or want to know the best steps to take for your situation, Contend’s AI Legal Assistant is here to help. You can get clear, personalised answers to your repair questions, guidance on what to do next, and even help drafting letters or formal requests to your landlord. This support can make it easier to protect your rights and keep your rented home in good condition.
