My tenant has contacted me that the Washer/dryer takes 3 hours to wash and is very noisy. I accept that it is 12 years old (although he’s not aware of it’s age).
He made a suggestion that either for me to look into a replacement machine or else he wold source a new machine and then rejig the monthly rent accordingly.
I suggested that he look on specific pages in the manual which he has to choose shorter cycles and/or Time Saver button etc or Economy washes etc. I also asked him to come back to me and let me know which cycle he was using where this was happening. He hasn’t.
His reply to me was “Its’ not simply that is it slow. …. I will look at getting one myself!……
As a landlord I know that it is my responsibility to provide a washer/dryer in this particular flat but my point is that the machine is working. It’s not broken and does not need repairing. So can the tenant just bulldose his way into putting in a new machine without my written consent, as that is how it comes across to me?
I am liable for electrical safety as we all know, but there is nothing to stop him from simply cutting corners, ordering online, getting it delivered and to save money, do a diy installation himself and he’s not an electrician.
At the end of the tenancy (whenever), presumably he would take the new machine with him.
Any suggestions as to how you would approach this.
Washer dryers would normally be plugged in so no need for an electrician?
He cant force you to replace a working machine but if yours is old and they are happy to replace themselves at their cost then best to go with that. You could agree a nominal reduction in rent of say £10 pm as costs would be saved for you but thats entirely up to you..
Depends on relationship with tenant, whether they pay well and have been there long term as well as whether you think this will lead to demands for replace of everything else, redecoration etc and whether you are charging a premium rent. Good they are offering to help source but personally I’d want to do myself if it’s my £.
That’s v long if it’s the wash cycle alone but not actually if including drying - look up times on some new models. For washing alone there will be shorter cycles
I would suggest they try using the wash cycle then an extra spin and then hang up outside if possible (doesn’t need to be warm to dry just windy) and use dryer in 20 mins at a time and removing dry items after 20min 40min etc so not using the dryer excessively- the sensors on dryers aren’t always brilliant. I’ve also put the rubber dampening feet under a washer dryer and they help a lot
Brand: Voimekas
4PCS Washing Machine Feet Pads
(Amazon 9.99)
Is it a built in device or standalone?
Washer dryers are normally plugged in but the connection to the water supply and the outflow do need to be fitted properly (a plumber or installation by ao.com or other sellers) and the old device removed too
I would tell tenant you have to agree to any replacement of large white appliances and pay for them to be professionally installed and the old device removed. This is because if eg there’s a leak and damage is caused you are responsible not the tenant. And tenant might leave in 2 months. It’s exactly the same as all other replacements and repairs. And that it’s environmentally unsound to replace just because old.
Would you replace a perfectly working boiler aged 12 year old because it was old. Maybe if it was starting needing frequent repairs.
If they want brand new everything they need to find a LL offering that (at a premium rent) or buy somewhere themselves and fit it out
That said, next time you do an inspection visit maybe check what needs doing re maintenance what is getting old and maybe come up with a plan and discuss with tenant. For you an old fridge making lots of noise may be the bug bear but for them the long cycle of the washer dryer might be far worse. So see if there are some items you can agree on
Washer dryers are always slow. If you put a full load in for the wash, and if you don’t take some of the load out before the dry cycle, then it can take a long time. Is he any more certain that a new machine will wash quicker?
If so, I would just get a new one. If he disagrees with your choice or wants to get his own, then simply ask him to either store yours and reinstall it at the end of the tenancy, or leave his behind.