Do Landlords Have to Provide Appliances?

Different Household Appliances Provided by Landlord

As a tenant, essential amenities, such as kitchen and laundry equipment, are a top priority when searching for the perfect rental home. While state laws require landlords to meet habitability standards, offering these appliances may not be a part of a lease agreement.

But what if you need these vital devices for your daily comfort? Do landlords have to provide appliances?

In this article, we’ll unravel landlord responsibilities, examining whether the law mandates additional features, like washers. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of having appliances in a rental property. So, stick around!

Do Landlords Have to Provide Appliances in a Rental Property?

The short answer is that it depends. Generally, landlords are required to meet minimum habitability requirements. However, no law states that they should provide appliances.

Still, to ensure your rental unit meets these standards, you need to provide a few essentials. These include electric systems and working plumbing. Some states also require you to offer basic kitchen appliances, such as a stovetop.

Likewise, bathrooms should include a washbasin, a shower head, and a water heater.

That said, most rental properties feature these amenities to increase their appeal. If you want to include this equipment in your property, you need to highlight it in the lease agreement as well as provide an appliance guide to your tenant.

Violating these rules can subject you to legal hassles. If you’re unsure of your state laws, consider consulting a property manager to help guide you through this process.

What Are the Minimum Standards for Australian Rental Properties?

Although minimum housing standards vary from one state to another, they generally include the following essentials:

Meet all building and safety codes
Have functioning fixtures and fittings
Include locks and latches on all external doors and windows
Provide adequate ventilation, lighting, and heat
Is mould and pest-free
Contains an electric system and working plumbing, including a hot water supply
Bathroom facilities
Have Weather-resistant roofs, windows, and doors
No safety issues or hazards
Smoke alarms

Failing to comply with any of the mentioned requirements can cause a breach of the lease agreement.

Do Landlords Have to Fix Appliances?

Generally, yes. Landlords usually need to fix appliances in rental units. That’s as long as this responsibility is stated in the tenancy agreement. Aside from broken appliances, your rental provider should ensure the property remains habitable.

This includes paying for maintenance and repairs as needed. Of course, you need to inform your landlord about these issues through a legally accepted method, which varies from one state to another.

Likewise, the property owner needs to provide proper notice for at least 48 hours before inspecting and fixing the appliances.

Here are the common responsibilities of a landlord:

Keep place liveable: Landlords are required to ensure a rental property is safe and comfortable. Not only does this include providing certain fixtures and appliances, but also repairing them.
Ensure safety: As a rental provider, you need to address safety problems, like a gas leak or electrical issues, urgently. If you don’t resolve them quickly, tenants have the right to stop paying rent or take legal action.
Addressing weather damage: Addressing defects caused by natural incidents is also the landlord’s responsibility. Some of these problems include water damage and flooding.

Are There Any Lease Clauses for Appliances?

As a rental provider, you take responsibility for not only meeting the minimum housing standard but also staying in good condition. This can be a tricky situation because tenants can request frequent maintenance.

To avoid this hassle, it’s best to clarify your services in the lease agreements. For instance, you can add a clause ensuring that the renter takes care of tenant-caused damage.

You can also clarify that you have the right to replace or remove appliances if they stop functioning. This provides you with more flexibility to deal with the issue as you see fit.

Why Should Landlords Provide Appliances?

While not mandatory, providing a wide range of appliances can take your investment to a new level. As a landlord, your priority is to attract quality tenants. Offering different household equipment can help you achieve that.

Here are a few reasons why you should include appliances in a rental agreement:

1. Competitive Edge

As you know, the real estate industry is highly competitive in Australia. With many residential properties on the market, you need to outshine your competitors to attract potential clients.

One way to achieve that is through appliances. Fridges, ovens, laundry equipment, and more are essential for many people. Offering these amenities sets your property apart from others.

2. Higher Rental Value

Since furnished rental units with appliances can be more attractive to tenants, they often have higher renal values. Many people are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of having installed appliances, saving them the cost of purchasing their own.

3. Convenience for Tenants

As you know, providing tenants saves them the hassle of buying, moving, and installing their appliances. This added convenience makes your property more appealing for a long-term lease. As a result, you get a steady and prolonged income stream.

Top Rental Appliances to Attract Tenants

Sure, providing appliances comes with many perks. However, not all equipment is worth the investment. Before investing in these devices, consider their costs and maintenance to avoid wasting resources.

Here’s a list of the top rental appliances that can attract tenants:

Refrigerator: Refrigerators are standard in most rentals. Not having this crucial device can be a major turn-off. Consider opting for an energy-efficient model to cut down on those power bills.
Kitchen appliances: Whether or not it’s required by the law, most tenants expect stovetops and ovens in a rental. Providing other kitchen appliances, like a microwave and a toaster, can be a plus.
Washer and dryer: In most states, washing machines and dryers aren’t required by law. Still, they can be a major selling point since they offer convenience.
Dishwasher (optional): Dishwashers may seem like a luxury item. However, they can attract families. Just make sure to choose a reliable model to minimise maintenance costs.
Air conditioner: If your property is in a hot region, providing an air conditioner is essential for the comfort of your tenants. Since they can consume a lot of electricity, opt for an energy-efficient model to cut down on operational costs.

What Are the Disadvantages of Providing Appliances?

While providing appliances comes with many advantages, it still has some drawbacks. These include:

Maintenance costs: Since landlords are responsible for fixing appliances, it comes as no surprise that they have to pay for ongoing maintenance. This can add to the overall property management costs.
Wear and tear expenses: Sure, tenants pay for damages they cause. Still, wear and tear is a natural part of living in a home, and typically, landlords cover these issues.
Liability concerns: Landlords may be held liable if the appliances cause damage or injury. That’s especially true if improper maintenance is the cause of these problems. In that case, they may face legal issues.

What Are the Consequences for Not Fixing Appliances in a Rental Property?

As you know, there isn’t a law that forces landlords to provide appliances. However, some states have specific regulations and may require you to provide some kitchen equipment.

The problem is that you’ll need to carry out the necessary repairs at the tenant’s request. But what happens if the landlord refuses?

Tenants can do the following:

Contact a civil and administrative tribunal, ask for the repairs to be carried out, and deduct the costs from rent.
Request compensation related to losses due to non-repairing
End the tenancy

FAQs

Q. Do landlords have to provide heating in Australia?

Yes, landlords have to provide heating in Australia. According to the minimum standards of housing, all rental properties should have a fixed heater in the main living area. However, they’re not required to provide air conditioning in the units.

Q. Do landlords have to provide screen doors?

Generally, no. Landlords don’t have to provide screen doors. Most states require safety systems, such as deadlocks and hinges, for external doors and windows. However, screen doors aren’t included in these laws.

That said, tenants can ask for these fixtures if they’re subject to safety risks. In that case, the landlord should comply with their request.

Q. Do landlords have to provide laundry equipment?

The short answer is that it depends on the state. Generally, rental units should include a laundry basin and adequate fixtures. However, they usually don’t need to offer washing lines, laundry machines, or dryers.

That said, rental providers should maintain common spaces, like laundry rooms, and ensure they’re functioning.

Wrapping Up

So, do landlords have to provide appliances?

According to minimum housing standards, landlords are only required to provide basic appliances to make the unit habitable. However, going beyond these requirements can enhance your property’s appeal.

Offering a fully equipped home can set your rental unit apart, attract quality tenants, and boost its value! The key, however, is to balance the advantages and drawbacks before purchasing an appliance.

Property managers at Pacific Management Company can help you with this process. Our knowledge and expertise will guide you to make an informed decision and revolutionise your property management journey.