In California, rental housing providers are not required to provide clothes washer and dryer machines in a rental property, and many leases do not include a warranty for these specific appliances. Tenants may bring their own appliances if they choose, and many elect to do so even if the rental property has a set provided already.
There are several reasons why tenants may bring their own clothes, washer, and dryer machine to a residential home rental:
Convenience: Tenants may prefer having their own appliances for personal use and convenience, especially if they are accustomed to using a particular brand or model.
Lack of appliances: The rental property may need a clothes washer and dryer, or the existing appliances may need to meet the tenant's needs or standards.
Cost savings: Tenants may bring their own appliances to save on the cost of using shared or coin-operated laundry facilities.
Personal preference: Tenants may prefer to use their own appliances for personal or health reasons, such as allergies or sensitivities to certain detergents or cleaning agents.
Improved functionality: Tenants may have appliances with unique features, such as energy efficiency or larger capacity, that they prefer to use.
It's important to carefully review their lease agreement to understand the terms and conditions of a rental agreement because when people understand that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a particular item, they tend to treat it with more care and consideration. This concept is known as the "endowment effect," which states that people value and take better care of items they own or are responsible for.
In the context of rental properties, tenants may be more likely to treat the appliances with care if they understand that any damage or breakdowns caused by their actions will result in their responsibility for repair or replacement. This can benefit the rental housing provider, as it can help ensure that the appliances are well-maintained and have a longer lifespan.
Born Property Management works with the rental housing provider to make sure all the appliances, such as a clothes washer and dryer, be in working order at the commencement of a lease agreement unless otherwise notified in the marketing and lease agreement otherwise.
Suppose an appliance does not work correctly or becomes damaged during the tenancy. In that case, Tenants should promptly report any problems or issues with the appliances, as detailed in the maintenance section of the Lease Agreement.
Even if a lease does not warranty an appliance, Born Property Management may still assist tenants in finding a service provider to assess, repair, or replace the appliance. However, the rental housing provider is not obligated to cover the repair or replacement costs.
The tenant may ask the rental home provider to pay for the expenses, but whether or not to do so is entirely up to the rental home provider and not mandated by law. However, many rental housing providers may opt to fulfill the tenant's request as a matter of goodwill to maintain a positive relationship and to prevent the tenant from leaving at the end of the lease term.
At the end of the day, the goal may be to respond favorably to the tenant's request because it could increase tenant satisfaction and demonstrate a commitment to quality housing and a positive living experience.
Suppose a tenant needs to remove the clothes washer and dryer, whether operational or non-operational, from the rental property. In that case, they should notify the property management company, such as Born Property Management, before doing so. This is important because the property management company may have specific requirements or procedures for removing appliances, and failure to follow these procedures could result in penalties or damages.
Additionally, removing appliances without prior notification could be considered a violation of the lease agreement and could result in legal consequences. It is essential for tenants to understand the terms of their lease agreement and to communicate any changes or intentions to the property management company promptly and professionally.
Here are a few examples of instances where tenants may have abused the use of a clothes washer and dryer in a rental property:
Overloading the machines: Tenants may overload the washer and dryer, causing them to break down or function poorly.
Neglecting maintenance: Tenants may need to clean lint filters or perform other routine maintenance, which can cause appliance problems.
Misusing the machines: Tenants may use the machines for purposes other than washing and drying clothes, such as cleaning carpets or rugs, which can cause damage to the appliances.
Tampering with the machines: Tenants may attempt to repair or modify the machines themselves, which can cause further problems and void any warranty.
Using improper detergents or cleaning agents: Tenants may use detergents or cleaning agents unsuitable for use in washers and dryers, causing damage to the machines and surrounding area.
These are just a few examples of instances where tenants may have abused the use of a clothes washer and dryer in a rental property.
A rental home provider may choose not to warranty appliances such as a clothes washer and dryer for several reasons:
Cost savings: Providing an appliance warranty can be expensive for the rental housing provider and may need to be more cost-effective for the business.
Responsibility: The rental housing provider may want to avoid assuming the responsibility for repairing or replacing appliances not under their control or care.
Maintenance: The rental housing provider may want to avoid being responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of appliances, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Tenant preference: Some tenants may prefer to bring their own appliances or use shared laundry facilities. The rental housing provider may not need a warranty for appliances not in high demand.
Ultimately, the decision not to provide a warranty for appliances is up to the rental housing provider and will depend on various factors, including their budget, level of responsibility, and the preferences of their tenants.