When you moved into your apartment, you doubtlessly did a thorough walk-through to make sure everything was in good shape. You tested the appliances—the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and more. Everything worked perfectly. Fast forward to today, and your refrigerator has broken down, leaving your food to spoil. Now you’re wondering: How long does a landlord have to replace a refrigerator and other appliances?
It’s a valid question, and we’re here to help you find the answer. In this article, we’ll break down the typical timeframes for replacements and repairs, the factors that can affect these timelines, and who is responsible for appliance-related issues in the first place. Read on to learn more!
Main Takeaways
- Your state and local laws should tell you whether fridges count as an essential appliance. If they do count as one, replacing your fridge constitutes an emergency. In turn, your laws will outline how long your landlord has to handle an emergency.
- On the other hand, if your fridge isn’t legally an essential appliance, your area’s laws will tell you how long your landlord has to handle non-urgent matters.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Replace a Refrigerator?
According to our Philadelphia property managers, if your landlord has provided you with a refrigerator, it’s their responsibility to replace it unless your lease states otherwise.
That said, the exact time they can take to replace your fridge is dictated by state and local laws. Some states view refrigerators as essential appliances, while others don’t. If the fridge does count as an essential appliance, or is causing an emergency issue, this is what happens: your landlord has your location’s legally ordained amount of time to resolve the emergency. If it counts as a non-essential appliance or problem, again, you should refer to the amount of time laws give your landlord.
When Do Refrigerators (And Other Appliances) Need to Get Replaced?
No matter how hard you try, even with regular maintenance, all appliances will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. Here’s a general guideline on common appliance lifespans and when those replacements usually occur:
- Refrigerators: 10-15 years
- Ranges and ovens: 10-15 years
- Dishwashers: 7-10 years
- Washing machines: 8-12 years
- Dryers: 8-12 years
- Microwave ovens: 5-10 years
What Impacts Your Waiting Time for Appliance Replacements?
There are numerous factors that influence how long a landlord might take to replace your appliances. Some of the biggest things to consider are:
Lease Agreement Terms
If your appliance has stopped working, your first step is to see your lease. Some leases explicitly state whether the landlord is obligated to repair or make a replacement. Also, it should state how long the landlord has for such repairs in the lease. In case this is not stated in the lease, the time may depend on the urgency of the problem or on local laws.
Emergency Situations & The Law
Your problem’s level of urgency is one of the top factors that will impact how soon your landlord repairs your fridge. If your appliance counts as essential appliance according to your location’s laws, or is causing a serious safety or health issue, replacing it counts as an emergency. Then, your landlord must address the emergency issue within the law’s given timeframe. That said, if an issue doesn’t pose an urgent threat to the tenants’ health or safety, that timeline might go slower. Unfortunately, it might take longer for the landlord to handle it.
Severity of Damage
A completely broken refrigerator that isn’t cooling at all will likely be replaced more quickly than one that’s just making a strange noise but still works. Landlords prioritize appliances that are completely unusable over those that still function, even if they’re not in perfect shape.
Whose Responsibility is it to Repair Appliances?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s important to understand that repair responsibilities depend on the lease agreement. In most cases, both landlords and tenants have specific obligations. Let’s break them down.
Landlord Responsibilities
Normally, among a landlord’s biggest responsibilities are fixing and replacing key appliances that they have provided, unless the lease states otherwise. Here is what that looks like:
Pre-tenancy Inspection
Before a new tenant moves in, the landlord has to check all the appliances to make sure they’re working properly. This way, there won’t be any surprises down the line, and the tenant can settle in with everything in good shape. Plus, it helps avoid any disagreements about whether an appliance was already broken or stopped working later.
Repairs and Replacement
It is the landlord’s responsibility to repair appliances if they stop working due to regular use over time (again, unless the lease says otherwise). Needless to say, this extends to key appliances like a fridge that won’t cool or a washing machine that won’t run properly.
Health and Safety Standards
Landlords are legally obligated to follow safety regulations for appliances. In other words, they have to check the appliances routinely to make sure they’re safe to use. For example, they should look at gas appliances frequently so there aren’t any leaks or carbon monoxide issues. This way, they leave no stone unturned.
Emergencies
If an appliance-related problem has an imminent impact on a tenant’s health or safety, that constitutes an emergency. The landlord cannot shelve the issue for later–they must deal with it right away.
Tenants Responsibilities
It’s not all on landlords: Tenants, too, have responsibilities, and that includes maintaining their appliances. Here’s what they need to do:
Refrain From Misusing their Appliances
Tenants should use appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If they cause any damage because of their misuse, the landlord typically isn’t on the hook to cover the cost of repairs. Instead, the tenant will have to foot the bill.
Regular Maintenance
Tenants are expected to go through basic upkeep, such as cleaning the oven, defrosting the refrigerator, and changing the air filters from time to time. All this is a must for keeping the appliances in good working condition.
Keeping Landlords in the Loop
If an appliance malfunctions or breaks down, tenants have to notify the landlord as soon as possible. If they’re slow to act on this front, the damage could worsen. Then, may be forced to pay for the extra costs that wouldn’t have come up otherwise.
Let Property Managers Handle Wear and Tear for You
Now that we’ve explored how long does a landlord has to replace a refrigerator, it’s clear that multiple factors come into play. The best approach is to review your lease terms and maintain open communication with your landlord. If navigating appliance repairs and replacements feels overwhelming, a professional property management company can help streamline the process.
At Bay Property Management Group, we understand the importance of timely appliance repairs and replacements in keeping tenants satisfied and properties compliant. As a full-service property management company, we handle maintenance requests efficiently—so you don’t have to. Contact Bay Property Management Group today to keep your rental properties in top shape!
