Need to replace exisiting white goods yet no inventory list or mentions in contract

karlmarsh05

Hi, I moved into my flat 2 months ago and it came with a fridge freezer, washing machine and huge dining table. The washing machine has never worked and means I am having to make regular trips to the public laundrette which is risky due to covid-19, id rather stay home and wash. The problem is that my landlord is just ignoring me, 6 weeks have gone by since my first request to fix the washing machine or replace it and dispite regular messages from me I do not receive responses. Also there is no mention of any existing goods/items in my contract and I have yet to receive an inventory list.
Can I just replace the washing machine myself? I really do not know what to do. I am also paying more because they said it was classed as "part furnished".

Thanks in advance for any help.
Karl.

AdrianC

Two months into the tenancy, and no inventory? You aren't getting one.
If it isn't on the inventory, there's nothing the landlord can do when you move out.

So - since there's no washing machine there now, you might as well buy yourself a new one to take with you when you move out... and get the supplier to remove the old, dead, imaginary one that isn't there.

Soot2006

You can get really cheap washing machines on Facebook Marketplace.  That way you probably won't mind leaving it behind (not least because they can be a faff to move and many places have one in place already) ... or a snazzy new one as per the previous post, and take it with you when you leave.

Semple

Do you still have a copy of the listing? I would think that would give you some standing - i.e. as you say if you're paying slightly more for a part furnished home, but then find out the sleazy landlord hasn't noted down any of the furnishings on an inventory list, which would mean he's probably not liable for replacing them. 

macman

The good news is that you can take the fridge/freezer and dining table with you when you depart, since there is no record that they exist...
New washing machines are stupidly cheap now, so I wouldn't buy used from an unknown source: the bearings will probably be shot.
Your LL is probably breaking other rules if he's this idle. Has he protected your deposit? Gas safety certificate? If not, you have considerable leverage, and protection from eviction.

greatcrested

Unless the contract states that the washing machine etc will be maintained by the landlord, he has no obligation under law to repair it (whether it 'exists' or not).

In this case though it does not seem to 'exist', except in an unhelpful physical way. Either get it mended yourself, and take it with you when you leave ("where's the washing machine? What washing machine?"), or dump it and buy a new or 2nd hand one.

karlmarsh05

Thank you for all your help. I will buy a new washing machine and ask for the broken one to be removed. I have no reason to expect to hear from the LL any time soon or receive an inventory list so I will just take the risk.

Thanks again

dimbo61

You are asking for the old one to be removed.
This pile of metal is the landlords property and if you have emailed him to request it is repaired or replaced he may try to use this when you leave and want your full deposit back.
Has he protected the deposit ?
Did he send you proof that he protected the deposit and gave you the prescribed information ? ( Page 2 of the deposit information )
Do you have a current Gas Safe Certificate ?
Did you get a copy of the EPC.
Write a letter with pen and paper and write with proof of posting to your landlord informing him that the washing machine is broken and you are going to buy a replacement yourself.
Ask him to remove the old machine ( which he won't Due to Covid19 restrictions ) or you will dispose of it yourself in 14 days.
Order online a new machine maybe a washer/dryer from a retailer which offers to remove and dispose of the old machine.