Can I sue my landlord for not buying me a new washer?

Question

My apartment is $2800 a month. Our washer broke down about 5 months ago. The maintenance guys said we would need a new one and informed the landlord. We have also included a note with every month's rent reminding him to buy us a new washer. In the meantime, we're forced to do go to the laundromat, which is not only tiresome, but also expensive (at $2 a load and 6 loads a week we pay about $50 a month for laundry.) This is unfair since our rent should have covered our laundry expenses. And now he says WE need to find a washer ourselves -- he'll pay $200 and we'll pay the difference. The problem is, the cheapest washer out there is $300, not including the shipping and installation. I think it's unfair that we should have to pay $100+ for a washer that's not even ours. Isn't he obligated to pay the full price for a new washer? How can we get him to buy us a new washer? I don't know anything about tenants rights. Can we sue him for the extra $250 we spent so far on laundry?

I do believe the washer is in the lease, which is why he's offering the $200. But I don't think it's fair that we should have to pay the difference, because including tax and shipping costs, that means we'd have to pay almost $200 for the machine, plus the money we spent at the laundromat, which by the end of the month will be around $300 and counting. Why should we have to pay $500 on top of the $2800 rent that's supposed to include the washer?

Those who say I'm better off buying than renting, you don't understand. I live in a fabulously juxtaposed neighborhood in the second most expensive city in the nation. Amenities include: two spacious terraces, contemporary kitchen, a gorgeous view of the golden gate bridge and much of the bay, a well-kept and lovely garden, etc etc. I'm not about to drop $70K on a condo or loft that's half the size and still have to pay monthly maintenance fees and the ridiculously exorbitant property tax.

$700K on a condo, I mean. The ones under $500K here are not even worth looking at.

Answer 1

You can sue him if its in the contract that he will supply it.

Answer 2

Remember that is his property and what does the contract say about this. Read your lease agreement and it should have checked what was included and rights. Sometimes you can take it from the rent. Buy a used one and make him pay $200 when you only paid $50. Look for one in Penny Saver. If you like living there sueing will not be good just for $200. City Hall has a Landlord/Tenant right book. Depends on what city you live in because CA is not responsible for washers in some places just stove maybe a freig. $2800 mo X 12 = $33,600 could be your own property.

Answer 3

If part of your rental agreement or lease says that a working washing and dryer are part of the deal than yes you can sue. You can sue anyone kid - whether or not you will win is another matter. Take the $50 out of your rent each month for laundry expenses and stipulate why you are doing so. The landlord will get the message and it puts the onus on him to collect. No judge will think that what you are doing is unfair. Do not purchase a washer unless you plan on keeping it for yourself. The land lord is trying to get over on you.

Answer 4

What state do you live in and I will look up the tenant right for your state. I am in NYS and I can tell you that a landlord does not have to provide you with a waher, Dryer, or a dishwasher. The only thing that they have to provide by law are A stove/oven combo, and a refrigerator. That is it. I dont know about your state.
PS.
If you have a lease agreement that states that your rent includes use of a washer then he has to replace the washer.

Answer 5

You have the right to go to small claims court. Good luck. As far as the washer is concerned, is it in your lease that he is to provide a working washer and dryer? If so, contact your lawyer. If your paying 2800 a month, you probably already have one for other matters. Landlords hate when lawyers call them. . And since you have documented your the washer in all the rent payments you have a pretty good case.

Answer 6

Well, first of all, if you pay for it and deduct the $200 from your rent, and you have a bill of sale, it is YOUR washer, and if and when you leave you take it with you! $100.00 is only 2 months of laundromat. It will cost you more than that to go to court. Just bite the bullet and do it!

Answer 7

it depends on what state you're in and what your lease says, but generally the way it is explained yes; however, most states have rules on how to legally notify a landlord of such a situation which usually includes sending a notice by certified mail (i prefer fax because you can confirm it was received), and if within so many days it is not done then you have to send another letter, etc. as the state's process outlines. look up your states "property code" (google (state name & property code) and look for " landlord tenant" section. you may also be able to deduct your extra costs from your rent until your washer is fixed.

Answer 8

I would talk to a lawyer.

If the lease, or renting conditions of the complex is that washers and dryers come with the unit the ethical thing is for the landlord to purchase a new washer for you apartment. If he doesn't it's a breach of contract on his part.

Answer 9

Well, I was in a similar situation. It worked like this. The Judge said that he had to supply an equal in value washer, hence the machine was 1 year old and therefore a new one was not required by law. He did get one and installedit, but we did get our money back from the extra trips we made to the laundromat, but you have to prove that you made effort for him to fox problem

Answer 10

You can try to take him to small claims court. Read your lease and see if there are any clauses that cover specifically that a washer is to be included in the rent price. If not, you might be hosed.

However, if that washer is YOURS you can always remove it when you move to a new place also. He loses then.

Answer 11

Suing would probably not be the best option after court fees and such you will probably break even or even get less....you should point out in the lease that he is responsible for repairs and has breached the lease...contact legal aid or a lawyer for futher assistance in your area...it might be possible for you to take the difference out of your rent...if done properly.