The essential guide to white goods in your rental property

Providing white goods can increase the property value of your rental. Discover which white goods to get for your rental property with our in-depth guide.

Ellie

3 minute read

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22 Mar 2024

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Pre-renting

Before deciding to rent out a rental property, you’ll need to determine which white goods to supply in your rental property. While providing white goods is not a landlord’s responsibility, doing so can vastly increase the property value of your rental- and your rental yield.

Let’s dive into all you need to know about white goods in rental properties.

"White goods" refer to essential large electrical appliances found in households. These are essential appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers. In a rental property, providing these appliances makes for a more convenient rental experience for tenants. Having white goods already installed also allows the landlord to generate a higher rental yield, as the tenants will pay for the convenience of these appliances coming with the rental.

While it’s not legally necessary to provide white goods in your rental property, most rentals in the UK will come with white goods already in place. Not having them may deter tenants from renting your property, as the cost of purchasing and installing these appliances can be high for renters.

Certain white goods are an unspoken necessity in rentals in the UK. For example, most rental properties will already have at least a refrigerator and freezer in place. Having additional appliances, such as a dishwasher and microwave, can make your rental property even more appealing. Similarly, having a washing machine is incredibly appealing for tenants due to the high prices and inconvenience of using a laundrette.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, a landlord is not responsible for the maintenance and repairs of any white goods they provide on the property. However, it’s crucial to maintain safety in your rental property. As such, you should ensure the white goods are well maintained and cared for. When writing your tenancy agreement, you should outline who is responsible for the care and maintenance of the white goods. Regular inspections and cleaning should be conducted to ensure the white goods are in a safe working condition.

The lifespan of your rental property white goods will vary depending on the appliance itself. However, on average, appliances like refrigerators and washing machines will last around 10-15 years with proper care, even with a certain degree of wear and tear. This is why maintenance of your appliances is crucial. You can get the most value for your white goods with careful maintenance. They can last you through multiple tenancies.

When should you replace the white goods in your rental property?

There are a couple of factors that will influence your decision to replace the white goods in your rental.

1. Age and condition: Assess the appliance's age and condition. Frequent breakdowns, rising maintenance costs, or outdated models can warrant a replacement.

2. Energy efficiency: Upgrading to energy-efficient models benefits the environment and reduces utility bills for both landlord and tenant.

3. Tenant preferences: Understanding your target tenant demographic can influence the choice of appliances. For example, young professionals might prefer sleek, modern appliances, while families might prioritize durability and capacity.

Investing in newer, more efficient appliances can have several advantages for landlords:

1. Higher property value: Upgrading your white goods can increase the appeal and value of your property, attracting tenants willing to pay higher rent.

2. Energy savings: Energy-efficient appliances appeal to eco-conscious tenants and reduce utility costs, benefitting both parties in the long run.

3. Reduced maintenance costs: Newer appliances generally require fewer repairs and maintenance, saving time and money.

Investing in and replacing white goods for your rental property can be expensive. But such an investment will have a decent return on interest in terms of higher rents, longer tenancies and lower maintenance costs.

There are some options to explore which may help you manage the costs of white goods:

• Bulk Purchasing: Buying multiple appliances at once might secure discounts from suppliers. Don’t be afraid to contact manufacturers directly to see if they’ll offer a discount on a set of appliances.

• Rent-to-own or Leasing options: Some companies offer appliance rental or lease options, spreading costs over time.

So, whilst providing white goods to your renters is not a complete necessity, the long-term impact of doing so can benefit you and your tenant. Your tenants will not have to deal with the hassle of purchasing or renting their own white goods and installing them. Your property value will be higher, as will your rental yield.

The more you invest in your white goods, the fewer maintenance costs you’ll face. Additionally, having high-quality white goods in your rental will attract tenants who are willing to pay a bit more to have a nice living space with high-quality appliances.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult the appropriate authorities or a lawyer for legal advice.

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