A Home Renter’s Guide To Broken Appliances

For many people, renting offers a freedom because the renter is not expected to pay for repairs or routine maintenance of the home and appliances. Unfortunately, sometimes this can become a point of contention between the renter and the landlord when there is an issue around which opinions differ. In order to avoid a conflict, or to be on your best foot in case of one, you need to be familiar with both your rights as a tenant and your responsibilities.

You, as a tenant, have a responsibility to respect the property you’re renting, including the appliances included. Most of the time, landlord rental disputes over appliances occur because the tenant and the landlord disagree as to what caused the breakage of the appliance. It’s good for everyone if you treat your home with respect and high regard, and ensure that all appliances are used properly. Don’t let yourself adopt a feeling of indifference to your living space simply because you don’t own your home. This indifference is at the heart of many tenancy break downs and disagreements over repair costs.

Get to know your tenancy agreement and what it specifically says about appliances. Your rental agreement should have a detailed list of the appliances included in the rent, and any appliances that are considered to be non-replaceable. For example, some landlords will include a dishwasher at move-in, provided that if it breaks down it is up to the tenants to either repair or replace if they so choose. The landlord will clearly state when he or she does not intend to replace something in your home. If your broken appliance is one that is listed on your rental agreement as included in your rent, you are entitled to a replacement.

Being well versed on your tenancy agreement is one of the most important details of renting a home or apartment, and you should never sign it without making sure you understand and agree with the terms in their entirety. Many people make the mistake of overlooking important details because they’re so excited to have found a living situation. Don’t neglect the critical components that are needed to ensure a happy and healthy home.

Remember that some appliance break downs can cause damage to your home and your belongings, such as a broken hot water heater. If you forget or neglect to purchase valid renters insurance, there is every likelihood that you’ll be in an entirely different type of trouble.

Allison writes with RentersInsurance.com, where you can go to find even more renters insurance tips and tricks.