Do Landlords have to Provide a Fridge?

Whether you are entering the rental market for the first time or are an experienced landlord, you will face many important decisions. One of those decisions includes working out what equipment you want to provide for your tenants, including fridges. 

There are several factors to take into account when deciding whether to supply a fridge with your rental property. This includes several legal requirements. While you may be considering not offering a fridge, it’s crucial to understand your duties and responsibilities as a landlord. So, do landlords have to provide a fridge?

This guide will explain the situation and answer other key questions, including what happens if there’s a broken fridge in a rented property, and if the fridge breaks, is a landlord responsible for the food?

Statutory obligations for providing a fridge

The answer usually depends on whether your property is listed as furnished or unfurnished. Generally, there are no statutory obligations for supplying white goods in an unfurnished rental property. 

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) states that landlords must provide either a separate hob and oven or a cooker that combines both functions. However, providing white goods, such as a fridge, in an unfurnished property is left to the landlord’s discretion. It’s also important to understand what should be in an unfurnished property.

Do landlords have to provide a fridge in a furnished rental property?

If a property is advertised as furnished or part-furnished, the landlord is free to decide on the amount of furnishings provided. Even in the case of unfurnished properties, it is common for landlords to provide a fridge. Therefore, tenants will generally expect a fridge to be included in a furnished rental property. 

This is likely to enhance your property’s appeal, especially since other rentals in the area likely include a fridge. Additionally, it could justify a higher rental price. To help you decide, we have outlined the advantages of providing a fridge as well as the benefits of not including one for your tenants.

Advantages of a landlord providing a fridge

• Could help attract tenants who are short-term renters or students
• Could justify a higher rent
• Generally, faster property occupancy
• Gives you an advantage over other rentals without a fridge
• Fulfils a general rental property expectation 

Advantages of a landlord not providing a fridge

• Saves on upfront costs
• Could attract tenants who have moved from their own house and already have appliances, such as a fridge, with them
• Reduced responsibility if the fridge breaks
• Less worry about damaged items 

Is the landlord responsible if there’s a broken fridge in the rented property?

Unfortunately, fridges and other appliances can break. If the tenant has bought the fridge, they will be responsible for any repairs if it breaks down. In this case, the landlord is only responsible for ensuring that the fridge is safe, which includes conducting a PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) test.

If landlords have supplied the fridge, the landlord is then responsible and obliged to ensure it is in good working order and is safe under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. This should be made clear in the tenancy agreement. 

If a fridge breaks, is a landlord responsible for food?

If a fridge breaks, it can cause problems for the tenant who needs to keep their food cool and prevent spoilage. The potential loss of food and associated costs can be pretty frustrating for tenants. The tenants may seek some compensation, especially if it is a fridge the landlord has provided.

But if a fridge breaks, is a landlord responsible for the food? The answer is a simple no. The landlord is only responsible for the repair and making sure it is safe, presuming the landlord has provided the broken fridge in the rented property.

A landlord’s contents insurance won’t cover the tenant’s personal possessions, which include the items they have stored in the fridge. If a tenant has their own contents insurance, they can make a claim themselves. However, the excess on the policy may be so high that it isn’t worth it.

Depending on your relationship with the tenant, you may consider making a small goodwill gesture to cover some of their losses. This could help strengthen your relationship with the tenant, enhance trust, or encourage them to extend their stay.

Communication and documentation

Scenarios such as a broken fridge in a rental property emphasise the necessity for a comprehensive and meticulously draughted tenancy agreement. A high-quality tenancy agreement can prevent disputes about who is responsible for what. 

The document should clearly outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant, detailing what each party will and will not do. This will serve as a point of reference throughout the tenancy. Additionally, it should include information regarding who is responsible for repairing a broken fridge in the rental property, allowing both parties to review their prior agreements easily.

A positive landlord-tenant relationship can be maintained by clearly outlining the responsibilities for repairs, replacements, and upkeep in the tenancy agreement.

Once you’ve decided whether or not to provide a fridge, it’s crucial to obtain the best landlord insurance for your rental property to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of any issues. This could include free white goods cover. To compare landlord insurance quotes, contact us at 01788 818 670 today to find out more, or get a quote online.