Are landlords responsible for ovens?

When letting a property, landlords often focus on ensuring essential appliances are in place and in good working condition. But are landlords responsible for ovens, and if so, what that responsibility entails. Should you, as a landlord, be providing an oven? Are you required to handle its repairs, maintenance, and cleaning?

In this guide, we’ll break down these questions, offering a comprehensive look at the oven’s role in your rental property.

Do landlords have to provide an oven?

As a landlord, you may wonder if providing an oven is essential or just optional. In the UK, there’s no law requiring landlords to supply an oven; however, it has become a common practice, especially for properties rented as furnished.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System requires that properties are safe and suitable for living, which includes having the basic means to prepare food. That said, the law doesn’t explicitly state that landlords must provide a built-in oven.

For furnished rentals, it’s standard to provide basic appliances, including an oven. Doing so can make a property more appealing to prospective tenants, especially in competitive rental markets where tenants expect certain conveniences. An oven, much like other white goods, enhances the property’s appeal and value. For unfurnished properties, providing an oven is less common, although some landlords still choose to do so to attract a wider tenant pool.

If you decide to supply an oven, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities for its upkeep, as expectations for repairs and maintenance can differ based on who initially provides the appliance.

Are landlords responsible for oven repairs?

Are landlords responsible for ovens if something goes wrong? Generally speaking, if you’ve chosen to provide an oven as part of the rental property, you’re usually responsible for its repair and upkeep. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 specifies that landlords must keep installations in good repair, which can include items like ovens if provided by you.

If an oven you provided stops working due to standard wear and tear, you’re typically expected to repair or replace it promptly. However, if the issue is due to tenant misuse, such as using harsh cleaning chemicals on a self-cleaning oven or tampering with the appliance, the tenant might be responsible for covering the repair costs.

To prevent misuse, consider providing a user manual and any specific cleaning instructions, as this may help tenants care for the oven properly. It’s also helpful to establish a clear reporting procedure so tenants know how to communicate maintenance needs to you. A prompt response to maintenance requests not only fosters good tenant relationships but also minimises long-term costs by addressing issues early.

Should landlords handle routine oven maintenance and cleaning?

While landlords are responsible for repairing or replacing the oven if it breaks due to wear and tear, routine maintenance and cleaning typically fall under the tenant’s responsibilities. This means that tenants are usually expected to keep the oven in good condition throughout the tenancy, which includes regular cleaning.

A well-maintained oven lasts longer and reduces repair costs, benefitting both you and the tenant. To encourage good appliance care, you may want to include specific cleaning requirements in the tenancy agreement.

For example, some landlords request that tenants professionally clean the oven at the end of the lease, especially if it was spotless upon move-in. This can help ensure the oven remains in good condition between tenants and minimises additional cleaning expenses.

However, if you’re renting out a high-end or short-term let property, you might consider including professional oven cleaning as part of periodic maintenance. This can enhance the property’s appeal, particularly for discerning tenants who may expect additional conveniences.

When should landlords replace the oven?

Even the best-maintained oven has a limited lifespan. When an oven reaches the end of its useful life, are landlords responsible for ovens if they need replacement? In general, yes. If you provided the oven initially, replacing it falls under your responsibility when it becomes too old or unsafe to use.

While the cost of a new oven and installation is an investment, it’s often worth it to keep your rental property competitive and attractive to potential tenants. A broken or unreliable oven can be a dealbreaker for tenants. It may lead to complaints or requests for rent reductions. Additionally, newer, energy-efficient models can reduce utility bills. This may be appealing to tenants and even justify a slightly higher rent.

If a tenant decides to install their own oven or brings in additional appliances, they typically assume responsibility for their maintenance and eventual replacement. Always make sure any tenant-installed appliance meets safety standards and doesn’t alter or damage the property. Especially if it requires specific installation needs like electrical adjustments.

Common issues and proactive solutions for landlords

To minimise misunderstandings and maintenance costs, here are some practical steps for landlords managing oven-related responsibilities:

Include appliance details in the lease

Specify whether the oven is provided and outline tenant and landlord responsibilities regarding its maintenance, repair, and cleaning.

Provide an instruction manual

Providing a user manual or a brief set of care instructions can help tenants maintain the appliance and reduce misuse.

Conduct inspections

During periodic property inspections, check the oven’s condition and cleanliness. This can provide insight into whether the tenant is maintaining the appliance and address any issues early on.

Promptly address repair requests

When a tenant reports a malfunction, respond quickly to prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. A proactive response can improve tenant satisfaction and potentially extend their lease.

End-of-tenancy cleaning agreements

Many landlords request that tenants arrange for professional oven cleaning at the end of the tenancy if it’s required. Make this expectation clear in the lease and consider documenting the oven’s condition before moving in to avoid disputes later. Check out our end of tenancy cleaning guide for landlords.

Consider a warranty or service plan

For high-end properties or frequent rentals, it might make sense to purchase a service plan for the oven. This ensures quick repairs and often covers most of the costs. This provides peace of mind for both you and your tenant.

A summary of responsibilities for landlords

• Supply of oven: Commonly the landlord’s responsibility in furnished rentals.
• Routine cleaning: Tenant’s responsibility.
• Repair (due to fair wear and tear): Landlord’s responsibility if they supplied it.
• Repair (due to misuse): Tenant’s responsibility if misuse is confirmed.
• Replacement: Landlord’s responsibility if they supplied it.
• Professional cleaning at end of tenancy: Often required by the tenant and can be requested in the lease.

In short, are landlords responsible for ovens depends on whether you, as the landlord, supplied the appliance and the specific terms of your lease agreement. For most landlords, proving an oven is a worthwhile investment. It increases the property’s appeal and can justify a competitive rental rate. By clarifying the responsibilities for oven maintenance and repair, you can avoid potential disputes, protect your property’s value, and maintain a positive relationship with tenants.

If you’re interested in learning more about appliance responsibilities in rental properties, check out our guide on are landlords responsible for white goods.

One responsibility of a landlord that cannot be disputed is landlord insurance. CIA compare landlord insurance options to find you the best deal. Get your quote today or call 01788 818 670 to speak to one of our friendly experts.