Who should pay for repairs to a washing machine in a rented apartment?

Who should pay for repairs to a washing machine in a rented apartment? Even if one wishes, it is impossible to mention and regulate all issues that may arise in everyday life in a rental agreement. As for household appliances, everything is simple here if residents bring their own appliances into an empty apartment, but what to do if a washing machine is already installed in the rented apartment at the time of moving in? Who should bear the costs associated with its repair?

Was there a contract?

In addition to the fact that each particular case, as a rule, is not included in the contract, some landlords generally prefer to rent out housing without concluding any contract. For the depositor, this is an extremely advantageous position in many respects: there is no need to pay tax, deal with paperwork, or give a commission to an intermediary. However, this approach risks the fact that the relationship between the employer and the lessor is not regulated in any way, and, accordingly, no one owes anyone anything. And then how to find out who should pay in this situation?

But, if the owners and tenants are adequate, an oral solution to the problem between the parties is quite possible. It’s just that if a conflict arises, it will be difficult to prove anything to anyone. That is why it is better for the tenant to insist on concluding an agreement, since he will only benefit from this. As a rule, upon official registration, the tenant makes a deposit, which the owner of the living space has the right to spend on repairing furniture, plumbing or anything else if it breaks due to the fault of the tenant. If the owner’s washing machine was defective, or was initially handed over in a faulty condition, the lessor must pay for the repairs! But how to understand whose fault the breakdown occurred? was there a contract?

Call a specialist. In addition to repairing it, he can also determine what caused it. Perhaps the tenant did not follow the rules for using the device. Or, on the contrary, the owner passed off the washing machine as a completely new one, hiding the presence of faults.
The above method is relevant if it is really difficult to determine what caused the breakdown. There are situations when it is completely clear who is to blame for the problem. For example, tenants caused a riot in the apartment, overturned furniture and damaged equipment.

Important! Also, financial responsibility for repairs falls on the lessor in the event that any defects arise due to natural depreciation.

Why does the homeowner also benefit from concluding a formal contract? Because in the event of an acute conflict with a tenant, when he is clearly to blame for the breakdown of a washing machine or some other household appliance or item, it will be easier to hold the person financially responsible. After all, he can absolutely legitimately say that he doesn’t owe anything, and, no matter how sad it may sound, he will be right. And the money the landlord saves from paying taxes will be spent on putting things in order. Is it worth it?

Negotiate "on the shore"

Nobody argues that there are decent tenants and honest landlords, between whom no disagreements have arisen for years, even without an agreement, deposit or other paperwork. But no one is immune from the fact that one may encounter unreliable persons. Therefore, it is better to solve the problem with the rights and obligations of the parties officially, in writing, with the inclusion of passport data and signatures. Then any situation will be resolved legally, without wasting nerves and extra money.

After all, if both the tenants and the owners are respectable people, it will not be difficult for them to confirm their trustworthiness with an agreement; this will not affect the weather. But it is very possible to insure yourself against people with a low level of responsibility in this way!