Which White Goods Should a Landlord Provide?

As a landlord, you have a wide range of different responsibilities. From ensuring the safety of your property to providing a reliable supply of gas, water and electricity, there’s a lot to consider before you welcome tenants into your property for the first time.

It’s not just the law that you have to think about, either. With the rental market being so competitive, you also need to give some thought to attracting new tenants when your current ones move on. It’s not merely about fulfilling the basic requirements that are expected of you as a tenant, but thinking about how you can make your property appealing and how you can set it apart from others on the market.

The supply and maintenance of white goods is just one example of something you’ll be responsible for as a landlord. In this simple and accessible beginner’s guide, we’re going to take a close look at what’s expected of landlords when it comes to white goods – and offer some suggestions to help you elevate your property and attract tenants in no time.

What exactly are ‘white goods’?

Before we delve any deeper, let’s first recap what white goods are and explain which appliances fall under this umbrella term. 

In a nutshell, all major kitchen appliances – like washing machines, fridges, freezers and dishwashers – are classed as white goods, as are some smaller tabletop appliances like microwaves.

The term ‘white goods’ originates from the white colour that these appliances were traditionally finished in, although white is of course no longer the only shade available.

What are the minimum requirements?

As a landlord, you don’t have to supply any white goods by law. You can choose to rent out your property completely unfurnished if you wish, leaving the tenant to supply their own equipment. That isn’t usually the best approach, however (we’ll explain why later). 

If you do choose to install any white goods in your property, you’ll be responsible for maintaining them and ensuring that they’re safe to use. No matter which appliances you supply with your property, they must be fit for purpose and, above all, free of defects that could cause injury.

In simple terms, that means you should:

• Buy new appliances where possible; second-hand appliances are much more likely to experience unforeseen faults.
• Hire a professional electrician to safety check your appliances before the tenancy begins and on an ongoing basis. As a minimum, this should be done every five years (in the case of HMOs), but many landlords carry out safety checks far more frequently to give both themselves and their tenants peace of mind.
• No matter which appliance you buy, keep an eye out for news of any recalls. If any of your appliances need to be recalled, ensure this is carried out promptly.

What are my maintenance responsibilities?

While it is your responsibility to make sure that the appliances you choose are safe, it’s not legally your responsibility to repair or replace them when they fail. Section 11 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 is clear on this: white goods aren’t part of a landlord’s maintenance and repair responsibilities in the same way things like doors and windows are. 

Again though, being a landlord isn’t just about considering the minimum legal requirements. If you want to keep your tenants happy, you should expect to have to replace appliances at some point – particularly if they’re only living in the property for a relatively short period of time. 

Which appliances should I get?

Although you don’t have to supply any kitchen appliances by law, most tenants will expect their new home to at least come with the basics: things like an oven, a hob, a microwave and a fridge freezer. 

Sure, installing appliances will cost you money, but you’ll likely be able to charge a little more too. Not only that, but a fully equipped kitchen will attract far more potential tenants than a barren one. Put yourself in a tenant’s shoes: would you want to have to buy all your own appliances? 

So, the answer to this question isn’t straightforward. It really depends on your budget, the type of property you’re renting out and the kind of tenant you’re looking to attract. Generally speaking, however, it’s always smart to at least supply the basics. It’s a great way to make your property more attractive to prospective tenants, many of whom simply won’t consider a property with a completely bare kitchen.

Bear in mind your target tenant

Let’s wrap things up with another top tip. When you’re shopping for appliances, always consider your target tenant. Who is most likely to rent out your property? Whether you’re providing student accommodation or a four-bedroom family home, it’s crucial to think carefully about who you’re looking to attract. 

In the case of student accommodation, you should certainly consider supplying an air fryer and a microwave. They’re cheap, they’re convenient, they’re easy to use and they use relatively little energy – perfect for busy students on a tight budget. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’re renting out a larger family home, you might want to consider installing integrated appliances to give your kitchen a stylish, contemporary look. 

Sign up for a trade account today

Want to invest in quality appliances for your rental property and save money while you’re at it? You need a Cookology trade account. With a vast range of robust, user-friendly appliances available to choose from and exclusive, trade-only discounts on offer, there’s no better way to get your property ready for the market. 

To get started, sign up for a trade account online today and discover our range, with 12-month warranties included as standard on every product.