This article is currently being updated and some advice might be out of date. Contact advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk if you have any questions.
My washing machine doesn't work, how do I get the landlord to fix it?
Your landlord is responsible for keeping all the appliances (like the washing machine) they supply in good working order. Report the problem in writing and don’t try and fix it yourself, or you could end up getting charged for repairs if it causes more damage.
Keep a copy of your complaint for evidence. You should expect a reply in 5-7 days.
It’s the landlord’s responsibility to cover the cost of a replacement or any repairs, as long as it hasn’t broken through misuse by you or your housemates.
The landlord may ask you to use another washing machine in your house if you have two while the problem is getting sorted, but they should not expect you to use that instead of fixing the broken one.
You could be entitled to compensation for significant inconvenience or if you have had to pay to use the laundrette for example if there has been unreasonable delays in getting it fixed.
If you’ve talked to your landlord and they still haven’t fixed the problem or acknowledge your complaint check to see if they are on Unipol’s Code of Standards here so you can put in a complaint to Unipol here.
If they are not code or you need some additional help just contact LUU Advice.
It’s worth bearing in mind that if you rent through an agency, both your landlord and the agency are equally responsible for making sure repairs happen. The agency can’t refuse to do essential repairs by saying that the landlord won’t authorise it.