Appliances in Rental Property

ceebee76

Hi. We are tenants in a rental property. Lived here over a decade. Lots of issues with disrepair, damp, mould etc,  which we try and mitigate as much as possible. Here's the main problem - especially with the cost of living crisis - all of the white goods in the house are our own, except for the oven...

The oven is electric (already, I believe, more expensive to cook with than gas?) and is over 50 years old. It is so damn inefficient! It can take 2 hours to get to 350. Are there any rights we have as tenants to request that it is replaced? Are there any rules or regs in regard to the age of appliances? Or anything to do with obsolesence? We have a generally good relationship with the landlord (though as an ex engineer, he's always repairing rather than replacing when things go wrong; another case in point...a 35 year old boiler!)

Thanks for any advice!

deannagone

When I lived in a private rental our property had an ancient electric cooker.  I used to cook quite a lot, and it was very difficult with the cooker, temperature regulation was awful.  So I replaced it at my own cost as I knew the LL would replace it with the bare minimum oven after months of arguing, if he replaced it at all.  I was able to choose one that did what i needed.  I was there four years so it probably cost £50 a year, well worth it to me.  

You will have to agree with the LL what happens when you leave though.
.

anselld

If you are on good terms with the L then the best thing would be to ask nicely, pointing out the issues you mention.  Most decent Landlords would update although perhaps the disrepair suggests they are not decent!

Hoevever, there is no right to upgrade.  Depending on the contract there may not even be right to repair of white goods.

user1977

ceebee76 said:

The oven...can take 2 hours to get to 350.

Are you sure it's not simply broken e.g. needing an element replaced? It doesn't sound likely to me that even a 1970s oven would take that long to heat up.

jj_43

there are no rules regarding age of appliances as such, as long as they are safe. Out of interest was was the rent when you moved in and now? 

tightauldgit

As long as its functioning and safe then I don't think you have any legal rights to an upgrade but if its an issue and you plan to be in the house for a while you could replace it yourself with the LL's permission? Or maybe offer to go 50/50 on one and agree that the landlord can keep it? 

dimbo61

As a Landlord and the requirement to do a Gas Safe check every year I would not consider installing a gas cooker or oven.
Do you have a gas boiler ? GSC every year.
Has the LL had an EICR done in the last 18 months as now required by LAW ?
If they supply white goods they also need to do PAT testing!
So time to make a decision.
Replace the oven yourself and take it with you when you move or 
Report the LL to everyone IE Council environmental health, Gas Safe people, Speak to Shelter or CAB if LL is failing to carry out his legal responsibilities.

deannagone

That's great advice if you actually want to receive a S21 notice lol.  

HampshireH

There isn't a legal requirement for a landlord to PAT test appliances. It is good practice though.

OP the cost of your rent, service records docs etc are completely irrelevant to your question about your cooker)

The advice on it being safe and working is good. I would personally approach the LL and ak for a replacement or get written agreement that you will replace and either leave it when you leave or take it with you. 

If the current one is such an antique and they want to keep it, do you have a garage it could be stored in? Alternatively if they say you can replace and dispose make sure you offer for him to take it away himself or if they say no make sure they agree disposal in writing.

3rd choice....invite LL round for dinner and make him wait hours for it to cook😆 (said tongue in cheek)

martindow

HampshireH said:

3rd choice....invite LL round for dinner and make him wait hours for it to cook😆 (said tongue in cheek)

You could make him wait for the traditional cake ...