Do landlords have to provide a washer and dryer?

Landlords do not have to provide a washer and dryer for tenants, however, it is something that definitely adds to the value of your property when looking for new tenants. Some tenants may be first-time renters and may not have their own washer or dryer, so being able to provide this for your tenants is always a perk. 

Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of providing certain white goods for your tenants, answering the question, ‘Do landlords have to provide a washer and dryer?’

Landlord’s responsibilities for washers and dryers

There is definitely no statutory obligation for landlords to provide washers and dryers for tenants unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise. If your tenancy agreement highlights that you’ll be providing white goods like a washer and a dryer, you are legally required to do so. 

Landlord responsibilities

So, let’s look at your responsibilities as a landlord if you do decide to provide these items: 

• Safety and functionality: You must ensure that your washer and dryer are in good working condition and compliant with UK electrical safety standards.

• Repairs and replacements: If you have said that you’ll be providing washers and dryers for your tenants, you’ll need to ensure that you’re able to replace or repair them should they need it.

• Tenancy agreement: Make sure that your tenancy agreement highlights the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants for white goods.

• Documenting the condition of white goods: Make sure that you document the condition of all white goods provided when tenants move in so that you can keep track of their condition throughout the tenancy period.

Providing white goods like washers and dryers can add a lot of value to your rental property and offer more flexibility and opportunity for potential tenants. It is also especially useful for those first-time tenants who do not own their own white goods. 

As mentioned above, you need to ensure that your white goods are compliant with UK electrical safety standards, as your responsibility as a landlord for washers and dryers. This means that you need to make sure your white goods are PAT tested, also known as portable appliance testing. This will ensure that your white goods are functioning the way they should be and that any faults or defects are picked up on sooner rather than later. 

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 is a piece of legislation that will guide you in making sure your white goods are safe, ensuring that you uphold your duties and responsibilities as a landlord. 

Not only are you then keeping your tenants safe, but you’re also ensuring that your white goods are maintained, resulting in financial savings and overall property maintenance. 

Tenant responsibilities

It is important to highlight, however, that tenants also have certain responsibilities when it comes to white goods. For example: 

• Misuse or negligence: Tenants need to make sure that they’re looking after the white goods provided and that if they cause any damage that they ensure repairs are made.
• Reporting issues: Tenants need to ensure that they report any issues with white goods to you, as the landlord, as soon as possible, so that you can fix the problem early on. 

With tenants and yourself as a landlord looking after your white goods, you’ll be able to ensure that your tenants reap the benefits of having white goods provided for them. 

Are landlords responsible for washer and dryer repairs? 

So what happens if the washer or dryer breaks and your tenants refuse to pay for the repairs? This can often easily become a bone of contention between landlords and tenants, but with these tips, it doesn’t need to be. 

From the outset, you’ll need to establish who is responsible for what, and the best way to do this is to add a section to your tenancy agreement that highlights whose responsibility it is for which type of repairs. Nowadays, it is common practice for landlords to repair any white goods, but there are most certainly exceptions to this. 

If a tenant has been negligent with your washer and dryer, or if they have deliberately caused damage to your white goods, and you can prove this, then they will be responsible for ensuring repairs are paid for. Again, make sure that you highlight this within your tenancy agreement so that tenants are aware of what is required from them. 

Things to consider

There are a few other things to consider, too, if you’re thinking of providing your tenants with a washer and dryer. Firstly, try to make sure that you’ve purchased an extended warranty with your washer and dryer. This will ensure that you’re protected against any unforeseen repairs or replacement costs. 

Secondly, it’s important to include both the washer and the dryer on the inventory list that is usually included in the welcome pack. This way, tenants understand the expectation of needing to look after their washer and dryer and understand that it belongs to you. 

Lastly, consider leaving operating manuals in your rental property for your tenants to access in case they are unsure how to use the washer and dryer. This will help eliminate confusion and help tenants solve any functionality problems they may be having with the white goods themselves. 

As mentioned above, being able to supply your tenants with white goods is something that will always work in your favour. It takes the pressure off of tenants who do not have their own white goods, and it can easily make your rental property look more attractive on the market compared to your competitors. 

Make sure that you take care of your property by investing in landlord insurance. At CIA Landlords, we have the expertise to find the best landlord insurance deals that are suitable for your needs as a landlord. Don’t forget to visit our Resource Centre, which includes a helpful section on utilities. Contact us today on 01788 818 670 for a quote.