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Money Claim for Appliance Damage
If a tenant has damaged white goods or kitchen appliances, use this guide to work out what you can fairly claim and what evidence will help you recover the cost.
For a more focused explanation and the next practical step, read tenant not paying rent in the UK.
For the wider background and full process, read landlord money claim guide.
Relevant next step
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When the debt is quantified, prepare the arrears record, pre-action letter and county court claim documents without starting the legal process from scratch.
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- • Organise the debt and payment history clearly.
- • Prepare the claim narrative and supporting documents.
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Claim for Damaged Appliances & White Goods from Tenant
When tenants damage or break washing machines, ovens, fridges, and other appliances, recover repair or replacement costs through the courts.
What Appliance Damage Can You Claim?
Key distinction: You can claim for damage from tenant misuse or neglect, but NOT for manufacturing faults, age-related breakdowns, or normal wear from everyday use.
Claimable Appliance Damage
- Broken doors, handles, or seals from misuse
- Burnt-out motors from overloading
- Damage from foreign objects (coins in washer)
- Missing parts (shelves, trays, baskets)
- Cracked glass oven doors from impact
- Damaged hob elements from misuse
- Freezer damage from forcing ice off
Not Claimable
- • Manufacturing defects or recalls
- • Age-related breakdown (end of lifespan)
- • Normal wear from everyday use
- • Electrical faults (unless from misuse)
- • Limescale in hard water areas (typically)
- • Damage not documented at check-out
- • Pre-existing issues not noted at check-in
Appliance Lifespan & Betterment Guide
| Appliance | Typical Lifespan | Typical Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | 8-10 years | £250 - £500 |
| Fridge/freezer | 10-12 years | £200 - £600 |
| Electric oven | 10-15 years | £200 - £500 |
| Dishwasher | 8-10 years | £200 - £400 |
| Electric hob | 10-15 years | £150 - £400 |
| Microwave | 5-8 years | £50 - £200 |
Betterment example: A 5-year-old washing machine (10-year lifespan) has 50% remaining value. If replacement costs £400, maximum claim = £200.
Unsure what caused your appliance damage?
Use our free Ask Heaven landlord Q&A tool to get guidance on tenant liability for appliance damage.
Evidence You Need for Appliance Claims
Photo Evidence
- • Check-in photos of appliances
- • Check-out damage photos
- • Photos of missing parts
- • Damage close-ups
Documentation
- • Check-in inventory (working order)
- • Original purchase receipts
- • Engineer's diagnosis report
- • Model and age information
Cost Evidence
- • Repair quotes from engineers
- • Replacement quotes (like-for-like)
- • Spare parts costs
- • Betterment calculation
Appliance Damage Evidence Checklist
- Inventory noting appliances working at check-in
- Check-out report documenting damage
- Photos of damage (before and after)
- Original appliance purchase date/receipt
- Engineer's report on cause of damage
- Repair or replacement quotes
- Betterment calculation document
- Letter before action sent to tenant
Start Your Appliance Damage Claim
The Money Claim Pack includes all court documents, pre-action letters, and guidance for recovering appliance damage costs.
Start Your Claim — £28.99Court fees from £35 extra (based on claim amount)
Appliance damage FAQs for landlords
Frequently Asked Questions
Build the notice, service file, court pack, claim pack, or tenancy document around your facts before you pay.
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