Whirlpool washing machine recall – Tenant compensation?
Widely reported in the press, Whirlpool have announced a major problem over the door mechanism on some Hotpoint and Indesit washers posing a major fire hazard and are recalling affected washers in the new year.
In common with many landlords, I supply white goods in my BTLs and have contacted my tenants to see which properties have Hotpoint or Indesit washers in order to check them out on the Whirlpool website and see if any are affected. One of my properties I know already is.
Obviously the tenants there are very concerned, and as it is a family with young children they are not prepared to wait for what maybe weeks before they can do any washing unless they use the cold water settings recommended by Whirlpool as the only ones that are safe.
They are insisting on compensation if they have to use a local launderette and I’m wondering who’s responsibility is this? Mine or Whirlpool? What are other landlords doing about this problem?
Barbara
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Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
5:41 PM, 19th December 2019, About 6 years ago
Landlords do have a responsibility to ensure where white goods are provided that they are safe. White goods will be supplied by yourself as inclusive with the property. You have been advised by Whirpool that one of yours is not safe and should not be used. It needs to be replaced asap. You can then discuss with Whirlpool in slow time ref compensation etc. If you have a warranty or if less than 12 months old I would suggest you will be in a good position to get a full refund. You just need space to store it whilst this is all sorted and if anything like their tumble dryer problem, it could take years!
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
6:58 PM, 19th December 2019, About 6 years ago
I note on the Whirlpool recall website page that they are offering: “A like-for-like replacement washing machine provided free-of-charge” or “A free-of-charge in-home repair of your appliance”. https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAiA3OzvBRBXEiwALNKDP4ZF2vOJ4Yx99DkQhR5ZTGT3gGG28SvVOP3_EWs6RA0MFLNIgcSuOBoCEzgQAvD_BwE
Member Since April 2017 - Comments: 225
8:37 AM, 20th December 2019, About 6 years ago
It is mostly not necessary to use hot/warm water for washing clothes. There are lots of articles – this is just one of them!
https://www.ariel.co.uk/en-gb/how-to-wash/how-to-do-laundry/cold-water-wash-guide
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
9:03 AM, 20th December 2019, About 6 years ago
Agree with the first comments, and for the price of a washing machine I’d replace it/them and take it up with Whirlpool.
There’s talk of replacement/repair taking months which is no use when there is a safety issue so possibly suggest you may start a claim for refund with the Small Claims Court.
Might wake them up if enough do it.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1563
10:02 AM, 20th December 2019, About 6 years ago
Best practice and doing the nice thing aside;
Washing machines are not part of a landlord’s statutory repair obligations. It depends on the individual agreement between the landlord and tenant.
Member Since October 2011 - Comments: 139
10:18 AM, 20th December 2019, About 6 years ago
I have one of the Whirlpool tumble driers – also apparently likely to catch fire – in my own home and I have been fighting now with Hotpoint for 3 years to get the damn thing removed and my money back! They are the most disreputable bunch I have ever had the misfortune to deal with and their Customer ‘Service’ is the worst I have ever encountered.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
12:42 PM, 22nd December 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Monty Bodkin at 20/12/2019 – 10:02
If the landlord does provide electrical appliances they must be safe! As this has been declared as unsafe then the landlord must replace it or get it repaired.