Storing washing machine in Balcony

[yartin]

Hi
In rental property, my tenant removed my washing and stored it in the balcony for few months in the elements, then re-installed against my advise, it is working but is it safe? Do I have to honour the maintenance if breaks down?
Photo how was stored is attached.
Thanks

 

[big-all]

what was the relevent conversation you had in connection to the machine
as in comments about responsibility for both removing and reinstalling without permission
also duty off care towards your property[machine] whilst outside??

also what impressions if any did you get from conversations about them accepting there actions may have consequences ??

 

[yartin]

what was the relevent conversation you had in connection to the machine
as in comments about responsibility for both removing and reinstalling without permission
also duty off care towards your property[machine] whilst outside??

also what impressions if any did you get from conversations about them accepting there actions may have consequences ??

After the inspection in Feb; sent email told them they're breach of the tenancy, washing machine now in the elements no longer safe to be used asked them to dispose and sent them Currys quotation for a new one. Last week, I went to the property, machine re installed operational while I was there, sent them email saying landlord is not responsible for maintaining the machine and will disposed of at end of tenancy.

Is the machine safe to be used after being in the elements for over 3 winter months. I believe it's been outside from Oct to Feb.

 

[big-all]

i think the problem you have is there is no visible damage and it works suggesting it hasnt suffered
the only way you will have any action is if it fails, and you can prove its their fault involving great expense and court time
under what theory do you think its a breach off tenancy as there is no actual loss or damage??

 

[yartin]

i think the problem you have is there is no visible damage and it works suggesting it hasnt suffered
the only way you will have any action is if it fails, and you can prove its their fault involving great expense and court time
under what theory do you think its a breach off tenancy as there is no actual loss or damage??

Making alteration without permission is breach of tenancy. They claim disconnection and removal reinstall was all done by Currys but no invoices or documentation.

 

[blup]

Open storage could be responsible for future problems but you are not responsible if you require its removal and check it’s gone at the next inspection

 

[Diver Fred]

I think you have 2 choices. Either replace the washing machine completely or have it fully serviced (if you can find someone to to service it (Mechanical operation and electrical safety checks). The costs of either come out of the ex-tenants deposit - you haven't as yet refunded the deposit have you?

Did they advise you that they were going to not use the supplied machine (in writing)? If they did that could be their only mitigating factor.

 

[yartin]

Tenants are still at the property, another10 months end of tenancy. They were using it last week when I was there.

I have told them in emails, washing machine will be disposed as no longer safe for next tenancy.

They didn't tell they're removing my washing machine, I found out during a routine visit to the property, my machine in the balcony.

 

[Old Salt]

Replace your tennants

 

[Diver Fred]

Tenants are still at the property, another10 months end of tenancy. They were using it last week when I was there.

I have told them in emails, washing machine will be disposed as no longer safe for next tenancy.

They didn't tell they're removing my washing machine, I found out during a routine visit to the property, my machine in the balcony.

Makes me wonder what else they are doing, shifting around in your property. Even more strange they removed it (by Curry's?) and then replaced. Do they have money problems? Was their an explaintion why they moved it?
Are you a member of the NRLA? If you are I'd be taking advice from the NRLA.

 

[yartin]

Makes me wonder what else they are doing, shifting around in your property. Even more strange they removed it (by Curry's?) and then replaced. Do they have money problems? Was their an explaintion why they moved it?
Are you a member of the NRLA? If you are I'd be taking advice from the NRLA.

They said my machine was making noise when spinning which is a fib
They have their own machine, claimed. it's bigger.

They can't show invoice or job reports that Currys is been to the property and done any works.

I am booking plumber at my cost, only to check installation for leaks and compliances, not testing washing machine operation.

 

[big-all]

Making alteration without permission is breach of tenancy. They claim disconnection and removal reinstall was all done by Currys but no invoices or documentation.

they haven't made any alterations, they have done nothing structural
good luck trying to convince a judge off your interpretation

no expert though just my opinion

 

[yartin]

they haven't made any alterations, they have done nothing structural
good luck trying to convince a judge off your interpretation

no expert though just my opinion

Are you serious! Who mentioned court!
As you say, you ain't expert....
Read posts carefully next time and what's about:
" it is working but is it safe? Do I have to honour the maintenance if breaks down?"

I asked a technical question, this ain't landlord or NRLA forum, it is DIY forum. The post got nothing to do with breaches or legal issue you invented and diverted to.

 

[johnny2007]

Send an email to the manufacturer with model number and ask if the lifespan of the machine is likely to be affected by leaving it outdoor for that period and if it's safe to be re-installed.
They'll surely see this as an opportunity to wash their hands off any warranty (implied or otherwise) and suggest to not use the machine unless inspected by an authorised engineer (which will cost more than a new machine).
That reply will give you the green light to remove the machine from the property and dispose of it.
Tenants will pay for it via deposit when they leave.
I would remove the machine regardless, just in case.
The fact they put it outside means that they don't need it.
Charge them at end of tenancy.
Personally I now don't supply appliances anymore.
Last tenant we had destroyed 4 washing machines, 2 dryers, 3 fridges, 4 chimney hood, 2 hobs and 3 ovens in 8 years.
Unfortunately we must provide hob, hood and oven, but we were thinking of removing the housing cabinet and let them buy a freestanding cooker.
Oh, I also forgot about 2 beds, 2 sofas and 3 coffee tables plus all chairs (which I haven't replaced)

 

[jj4091]

I imagine that the machine is protected via the socket it is connected to by all the correct components in the consumer unit (mcb and rcd ) if that is so and the machine is now working fine then I would say, although it is difficult to prove without close examination, that the machine is OK. The usual fault that appears in that sort of sityuation is that the heating element absorbs moisture and causes either the mcb but more commonly the rcd to trip. You don't mention having this problem. The other concerns would be circuit boards and motor brushes both of which would probably give error codes when trying to use the washer if they were faulty. Personally if the machine is not that old I would tend to just suck it and see. As Diver fred says the only real way is for someone qualified to see it on site but I doubt they would commit themselves to giving any guarantees and be a ttime consuming and expensive thing to do.