Fridges: Landlord Responsibility or Tenant?

[Tim Ball]

Hello Fellow Landlords,

I have a property that I provided a tenant with the fridge (came with the property).  They have been perfect tenants for 2 years.  The control board went out in the fridge and wasnt keeping their food cold.  They called a fridge repair company and it cost me over $400.

My question is: Are we as landlords responsible for fridges?  Im sure it can be specified in the lease but whats the standard route for this?  And if you put all responsibility on tenant for the fridge, does that mean the fridge is theirs when they move out?  On this particular situation, Im not that upset because the tenants are perfect, but for future reference, I feel this will be helpful to know.  Thank you in advance.

[John Thedford]

If you provided a working unit, it is your responsibility. Once vacant, you can provide one if you desire. Offering a unit without one may be more difficult to get rented.