How to Handle a Broken Appliance: A Tenant's Guide to Repairs and Replacements

Renting a home in the UK comes with certain responsibilities, and dealing with a broken appliance can be a frustrating experience. Whether it's a faulty fridge, an oven that won’t heat up, or a washing machine that stops mid-cycle, knowing how to handle the situation properly is crucial. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the appropriate steps to take can save you time, stress, and potentially money. This guide provides an in-depth look at what tenants in the UK should do when an appliance in their rental home breaks down.

Identify the Problem

When an appliance in your rental property stops working, the first step is to assess the situation. Some issues may be minor and easily fixable, while others might require professional repair or replacement. Taking a moment to diagnose the problem can help you determine whether you need to involve your landlord or if a simple fix is possible. Before taking any further action, it’s important to determine the extent of the issue. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the appliance completely non-functional, or is it just working inefficiently?
• Is the issue caused by a power supply problem, such as a tripped fuse or loose plug?
• Are there any obvious signs of damage, leaks, or electrical faults?

Try simple troubleshooting steps such as checking the fuse, resetting the circuit breaker, cleaning filters, or ensuring the appliance is plugged in. If these don’t resolve the problem, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Review Your Tenancy Agreement

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is crucial when dealing with a broken appliance. Your tenancy agreement should provide details on who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. For more information on tenant and landlord responsibilities, check out our guide to repairs in a rented home. This step ensures that you follow the correct procedure and avoid any potential disputes with your landlord. Your tenancy agreement should clearly outline the responsibilities for appliance maintenance and repairs. In the UK, landlords are generally responsible for repairing or replacing appliances that were provided as part of the tenancy. However, tenants may be responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as cleaning filters or unblocking drains.

Look for clauses in your agreement that mention:

• Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance
• What steps you need to take if an appliance breaks
• How long repairs typically take to be addressed
• Any restrictions on attempting repairs yourself

If your agreement is unclear, check with your letting agent or landlord for clarification.

Notify Your Landlord or Letting Agent

Once you have confirmed that the appliance is genuinely faulty, the next step is to inform your landlord or letting agent. Prompt communication is essential, as delays in reporting an issue could result in further complications. A clear and detailed message will help speed up the repair process. If the appliance is still not working after basic troubleshooting, you should inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. It’s best to communicate in writing (email or through an online tenant portal if available) so that you have a record of your request.

Your message should include:

• The type and brand of the appliance
• A clear description of the problem
• Any steps you have taken to try to fix it
• When the issue started

Your landlord is required to respond in a timely manner and take appropriate action.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants have specific responsibilities when it comes to appliance repairs. The law protects tenants from being left without essential appliances, while also ensuring that tenants take reasonable care of the provided equipment. Knowing your legal rights can help you understand what to expect in these situations.

For more details on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities, visit Shelter UK or Citizens Advice. Both landlords and tenants have specific responsibilities when it comes to appliance repairs. The law ensures that tenants are not left without essential appliances while also requiring them to take reasonable care of the provided equipment. Understanding your legal rights can help you navigate these situations and know what to expect.

Landlord Responsibilities

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, UK landlords have a legal duty to maintain and repair:

• The structure and exterior of the property
• Gas, water, and electricity supply systems
• Appliances provided as part of the tenancy

If the broken appliance is essential (e.g., a fridge, cooker, or washing machine in a furnished property), the landlord is responsible for ensuring a timely repair or replacement.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are expected to:

• Report issues promptly
• Use appliances correctly and maintain them in good condition
• Carry out minor maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and descaling

If damage to an appliance is due to tenant misuse (e.g., overloading a washing machine or failing to clean an oven), you may be liable for the repair costs.

What to Do If Your Landlord Doesn’t Respond

If your landlord fails to take action after being notified of a broken appliance, you have several options. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to escalate the matter through formal channels. Taking the right approach will increase the likelihood of a swift resolution.

For guidance on escalating repair issues, visit Gov.uk Renting Rights or check your Local Council Housing Services. If your landlord fails to take action after being notified of a broken appliance, you have several options. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to escalate the matter through formal channels. Taking the right approach can increase the likelihood of a swift resolution.

If your landlord or letting agent fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, you have several options:

• Send a formal written request – Follow up with a written letter requesting urgent action.
• Check local council guidance – Councils provide advice on housing repairs and can intervene if necessary.
• Use the ‘Repair and Deduct’ method cautiously – In some cases, you may be able to arrange repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent, but this should only be done with proper legal advice.
• Report the issue to the council – If the broken appliance is affecting essential living conditions, the local environmental health department can step in.

• Seek legal advice – Tenant support organisations, such as Shelter or Citizens Advice, can offer guidance on your rights.

   

Understanding Repair Timelines

One of the most common concerns for tenants is how long a repair will take. While there is no strict legal timeframe, landlords are expected to address issues within a reasonable period. Knowing what qualifies as a reasonable timeframe can help you follow up effectively if delays occur.

One of the most common concerns for tenants is how long a repair will take. While there is no strict legal timeframe, landlords are expected to address issues within a reasonable period. Knowing what qualifies as a reasonable timeframe can help you follow up effectively if delays occur. While UK law does not specify exact timeframes for repairs, landlords are expected to act ‘within a reasonable time.’ Emergency repairs (such as a broken fridge or an oven failure in a furnished property) should be dealt with urgently, often within a few days.

If the repair is taking longer than expected, follow up with your landlord and keep records of all communication.

Temporary Solutions While Waiting for Repairs

If your broken appliance is causing inconvenience, you may need to find alternative solutions while waiting for repairs. There are various ways to work around common appliance failures, from borrowing equipment to using external services. These temporary measures can help minimise disruption to your daily routine. If you are waiting for a repair or replacement, consider these temporary solutions:

• Fridge/Freezer issues: Use cool boxes with ice packs, or ask a neighbour to store perishable food temporarily.
• Oven issues: Use a microwave, air fryer, or portable hob if possible.

• Washing machine issues: Use a local launderette or ask the landlord if they will cover laundry costs until repairs are made.

   

Should You Attempt Repairs Yourself?

While it may be tempting to fix a broken appliance yourself, doing so could lead to further damage or even void warranties. Before attempting any repairs, it’s important to understand the risks and check whether your tenancy agreement permits DIY fixes. Seeking permission from your landlord first is always advisable. Tenants should avoid attempting major repairs unless explicitly allowed in their tenancy agreement. DIY repairs can:

• Void warranties
• Lead to further damage (which you may be liable for)
• Pose safety risks

Always seek permission before hiring a technician or attempting a fix.

Renter’s Insurance and Appliance Cover

Many tenants overlook the benefits of renter’s insurance, which can provide protection against damage caused by faulty appliances. Additionally, some landlords offer appliance cover plans, which ensure that repairs and replacements are handled efficiently. Understanding these options can help you prepare for unexpected breakdowns.

For more information on renter’s insurance, visit the Money Advice Service or Compare the Market for insurance comparisons. Many tenants overlook the benefits of renter’s insurance, which can provide protection against damage caused by faulty appliances. Additionally, some landlords offer appliance cover plans to ensure that repairs and replacements are handled efficiently. While renter’s insurance typically won’t cover appliance repairs, it may cover damage caused by a broken appliance, such as water damage from a faulty washing machine. Some tenants also opt for appliance insurance plans, which cover repair costs beyond what a landlord provides, offering extra peace of mind.

What If the Appliance Needs Replacing?

If an appliance is beyond repair, your landlord should arrange for a suitable replacement. However, disputes may arise over the quality and timeline of the replacement. Being informed about your rights and negotiating effectively can help ensure that you receive a fair resolution. If an appliance is beyond repair, your landlord should replace it with a similar model. Check your tenancy agreement to see if replacements must be like-for-like or if the landlord can opt for a lower-spec alternative.

If you are offered a lower-quality replacement or an unreasonable delay occurs, you may be able to negotiate compensation or rent reductions.

Key Takeaways For Tenants

A broken appliance can be a frustrating situation, but knowing your rights and following the correct steps will help ensure a smooth resolution. By identifying the issue, reviewing your tenancy agreement, communicating clearly with your landlord, and understanding UK tenant laws, you can navigate the repair process efficiently. If your landlord is unresponsive, you have legal options to escalate the matter and protect your rights. Always keep a record of all communications, and seek professional advice if necessary.