Is this the landlord's responsibility?

Question

I live in an apartment in a house. My landlords who own the house live in the main part of the house (I've been living there since 2002 and we've always gotten along just great).

Is it their responsibility to fix the refrigerator? The refrigerator was there when I rented the apartment - and I'm assuming it's theirs & wasn't left by the prior tenant.

Is it their responsibility or mine to fix or replace it?

I would have to dig out the lease - but I'm pretty sure that the lease doesn't mention anything about it.

They have always fixed structural problems (i.e. plumbing or electrical) no questions asked - but I realize that a refrigerator is not a structural part of the apartment - nonetheless, they do own it - which is why I'm thinking they should be responsible.

I've always been on good terms with my landlords and I want to keep it that way - so I don't want to approach them about it unless I'm 100% sure that this is their responsibility.

Thanks!

Answer 1

One mistake was done here; you did not specify on your lease that the Refrigerator was a 'fixture'. Fixtures are items that com along with a house or apartment, wether it's for a buy or a lease. If it's not in the contrat, legally he is not responsible for your refrigerator, unfortunately. The law will only protect a tenant regarding any fixtures in the house and items listed in the contract. Even if it's obvious or he told you verbally he is the owner of the refrigerator. In that case you're just gonna have to talk to him and hopefully he will want to fix it for you, but legally his not the owner of such item. You'd think it's his responsibility. It may sound a little unfair. Ethically he is the owner, but not legally. Good luck!

Answer 2

As an apartment manager myself, the answer is yes it is the landlords responsibility to fix or replace the refrigerator. If the fridge was there when you moved in then that is part of the property that they are required to maintain. Give them a written notice that the fridge needs repaired. If they still refuse, call the city housing authority. Some cities have statutes that require things like a fridge to be maintained otherwise the apartment is deemed unlivable or the landlord could get a fine. Whatever you do, don't withhold rent until the problem is fixed, that will only backfire...no matter how right you are.

Answer 3

Sometimes you can't be 100% sure of anything without asking questions. If you have been on good terms with your landlord then I wiould simply approach them and say "Hey, I was just wondering if the refridgerator was furnished with the apartment. I've been having some problems with it and wanted to know who could take a look at it for me." or something along that line. It's really all how you phrase it.

I personally would believe that if it was there when you moved in, it is probably part of the apartment and therefore, the landlord's responsibility. After all, you won't be taking it with you when/if you move will you?

Answer 4

First & maximum popular, it is the duty of the two events to establish that the development in question is greater healthful to stay for the whole era of the hire. to initiate with, if the owner has given you the abode in good situations wherein each little thing became working in tip ideal condition, then it is your duty to establish which you safeguard it in tip ideal condition. If there have been plumbing themes earlier you moved in or you found out relating to the plumbing themes on the instant once you moved in, then the owner is in threat of supply you the de-clogging and pay for the charges. in case you have lived interior the abode for an prolonged on a similar time as without themes and now you have plumbing themes, than there's a threat which you will have reason the themes from the form you have use the appliance, as such it is your duty to pay for the wear and tear. on a similar time as the owner provides you with the basics, it is your everyday jobs to establish which you maintain each little thing interior the abode in good situations. different than for positioned on and tear, the tenant frequently are everyday jobs for any injury to the valuables and its utilities.

Answer 5

It's The landlords responsibility to repair the refrigerator.

Answer 6

If the refrigerator came with the apartment then, yes it is their responsibility to fix, or replace it.

Answer 7

Definitely check the lease, but I think that because the fridge was in the apartment when you moved in, it is their responsibility to repair or replace it, just as it would be if it were the stove, heater, etc.

Answer 8

I had a similar problem.... the refrig was already at the property when I moved in, but my landlord had it written in our lease that she would not be responsible for any repairs to the appliance. So if it is stipulated in your lease...then yes it is your responsiblity. If not, it would be safe to say that it is the responsiblity of the landlord.

Answer 9

I believe it is the landlords place to fix it.If you both can't come to terms then maybe you should,offer to pay half of the cost and the landlord the other half if your need of a new one.I wish you luck with this issue

Answer 10

Like an apartment complex, those items would be covered under normal lease terms unless otherwise stated.

Just let them know....hey....the fridge is acting up or dying.