Broken washing machine - landlord won't replace

GraceinLondon

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice, renting fiascos and similar stories which might help me work out where I stand.

Our washing machine in my rented flat broke 4 weeks ago, this was caused by my flatmate's bra under-wiring coming loose we think and the washing machine flooded the kitchen. The manufacturer sent out an engineer to look, who took photos and ordered a part. The manufacturers have just got back to our landlord to say that it was due to customer 'abuse' and they won't replace or fix the machine!

My flatmate's bra was machine washable. We've been without a washing machine for over a month and have had to take our stuff to the launderette repeatedly, which should be reimbursed by our landlord.

Where on earth do we stand legally? The machine is less than a year old and this fault was caused on a normal wash.

Can our landlord refuse to replace the machine? We don't have a contract anymore as I've been here for 2 & 1/2 years and he prefers to minimise paperwork...

I would really appreciate any help anyone can give. This is an incredibly stressful situation and my flatmates are leaving it to me to fix!

Slithery

GraceinLondon wrote: »

Can our landlord refuse to replace the machine?

Unless it states in your original contract that the LL will repair it then yes, the LL can do nothing.

sgun

Hi, sorry but you probably won't want to hear that your flatmate is liable for buying a new machine (if it is in the original inventory). You say yourself that it was the underwiring in the bra that broke it so how would the LL be responsible for buying you a new machine?

It appears the fault lies with the bra, not the washing machine. (You do know you can buy little laundry bags to put your bras in to avoid this happening?)

The LL is also not liable to refund you the laundry costs.

If the machine is in the original inventory you will have to replace it anyway as you need to leave the place the same as you found it when you move out (bar wear and tear, which this is not).

Pixie5740

Yes you do have a contract, you have a periodic tenancy.

Ending/renewing an AST

As Slithery says, unless your tenancy agreement says your landlord will replace white goods then (s)he doesn't have to especially if the tenant has broken the appliance.

In fact since your flatmate broke the washing machine you will problem have some money deducted from your deposit when your tenancy ends unless you get it fixed.

Jenniefour

Why not just let the landlord know you will pay to have the machine repaired - obviously it's possible as engineer ordered a part, or was going to order it.

That's the simplest solution, surely. You can then do your washing at home and he's got a working washing machine again in the property.

dimbo61

How did the washing machine flood the flat ?
There is normally a flap at the bottom of the machine which opens to find a drain plug and small pipe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3pebOAaR94

Above is a video on youtube explaining how to drain the washing machine

Bra bags for laundry on youtube !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_aivHXNAQ

Here is where to buy them for £2.50

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bra+bags+for+laundry&rlz=1C1QJDB_enGB613GB613&tbm=shop&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq7d-s5cDWAhUMDMAKHTq1Dh0Q_AUICigB&biw=1280&bih=894&dpr=1#spd=3861756226969494586

gingercordial

Repairs - as the others have said.

Tell your flatmate to hand-wash her bras. Doesn't matter if the label says they are machine-washable, it really isn't good for them and significantly shortens their lifespan (and of the washing machine). I'm very lazy but bras are about the only thing I religiously hand-wash.

saajan_12

GraceinLondon wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice, renting fiascos and similar stories which might help me work out where I stand.

Our washing machine in my rented flat broke 4 weeks ago, this was caused by my flatmate's bra under-wiring coming loose we think and the washing machine flooded the kitchen. -
so the resulting damage to the washing machine & kitchen is the joint & several responsibility of the tenants. The flatmate with the offending bra can pay for the repair / cover anyone else's deposit deductions for this.. or whatever you decide. The manufacturer sent out an engineer to look, who took photos and ordered a part. The manufacturers have just got back to our landlord to say that it was due to customer 'abuse' and they won't replace or fix the machine! - They wouldn't fix it under warranty, they probably would if you paid them though! Plus this gives a somewhat expert opinion that it was user caused. User is the tenants.

My flatmate's bra was machine washable. -
that usually means the bra won't be damaged, not that the machine won't be damaged. In any case, that's something to take up wiht the bra seller / manufacturer, as far as the LL is concerned it's ccaused by the tenant/tenant's posessions. We've been without a washing machine for over a month and have had to take our stuff to the launderette repeatedly, which should be reimbursed by our landlord. - No, the fault was caused by the Tenants so resultant losses are between you.


Where on earth do we stand legally? The machine is less than a year old and this fault was caused on a normal wash. - Per the manufacturer, the fault was caused by the user. So your problem.

Can our landlord refuse to replace the machine? -
yes.We don't have a contract anymore as I've been here for 2 & 1/2 years and he prefers to minimise paperwork... You do have a contract.. it's the original fixed term agreement which has rolled into a SPT or CPT but under the same terms.

I would really appreciate any help anyone can give. This is an incredibly stressful situation and my flatmates are leaving it to me to fix!

I suggest you fix it among you to avoid rising laundrette costs. If you don't, the cost to fix will come out of your deposits anyway.