You rented an apartment, unpacked your things, and a week later you discovered that the refrigerator is not freezingit was making strange sounds or refused to turn on at all. Who should repair the equipment - you as a renter or a homeowner? This issue becomes the cause of conflicts in 7 out of 10 rental cases, especially if the contract does not contain clear clauses on the repair of household appliances. In this article, we’ll look at what the law says, how to act in controversial situations, and why even a working refrigerator when moving in can become your headache in a month.
Spoiler: it all depends on three factors - state of equipment upon move-in, reasons for breakdown i terms of the lease agreement. If you did not record the defects when inspecting the apartment or you yourself are to blame for the breakdown (for example, you turned off the power for the winter without defrosting), the chances of passing on the costs to the owner tend to zero. But there is good news: even without an agreement, the tenant has leverage on the owner through the Housing Code and the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
1. What the law says: the rights of the tenant and the obligations of the owner
In Russia, the relationship between the tenant and the lessor is regulated Civil Code (Civil Code of the Russian Federation)namely by Article 616 (obligations of the lessor) and Article 612 (safety of property). According to these standards:
- 📜 The landlord is obliged to transfer the apartment in suitable for living in conditionincluding working household appliances, if they are part of the property.
- 🔧 Routine repair (including breakdowns of equipment) is the owner's area of responsibility if they arose through no fault of the tenant.
- 💸 Capital repair (replacing the refrigerator with a new one) is also the responsibility of the owner, but here disputes often arise about the degree of wear and tear of equipment.
However, there is a nuance: if it is stated in lease agreement that the tenant undertakes the repair of equipment, this condition takes precedence over the law (Article 421 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on freedom of contract). Therefore, first of all, check what is written in your agreement. If there is no agreement (oral lease), the norms of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation are automatically applied - and the owner must repair the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Since 2023, Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court No. 10 has come into force, which explains that "the property leased must comply with the terms of the contract for the entire rental period". This means that if the refrigerator breaks down a year after moving in, and the contract does not specify otherwise, the owner is obliged to repair it or replace it.
2. Who is to blame for the breakdown? 5 criteria for determining responsibility
Before making a claim to the owner, answer honestly: Is it your fault that the refrigerator broke down or not? Here are the key signs that will help you figure it out:
| Cause of the breakdown | Who is to blame? | Who pays for the repairs? |
|---|---|---|
| Natural wear and tear (refrigerator >10 years old) | Landlord | Landlord |
| Electrical problems in the apartment (jumps voltage) | Lessor | Lessor |
| Mechanical damage (cracks, dents) | Tenant | Tenant |
| Incorrect operation (not defrosted No Frost) | Lessee | Lessee |
| Manufacturer defect (compressor defect) | Lessor | Lessor (or warranty service) |
The most controversial situation is breakdown due to improper operation. For example, if you forgot to close the door overnight and the compressor burns out, or left it hot pan on the top cover (which is prohibited for models Samsung RB30J3000WW or LG GA-B409SLGLin this case). repairs are paid by the tenant. But how to prove that it is you who are at fault? The owner can refer to inspection certificate upon check-inwhere the condition of the equipment is indicated.
3. Tenant's actions: step-by-step algorithm
If the refrigerator breaks down, follow these instructions so as not to be left without money and without equipment:
1 Take a photo/video of the breakdown (open door, error). on the display)
2. Check the lease agreement for equipment repair clause
3. Write to the owner (in messenger or by email) with a description of the problem
4. Request repairs in a written complaint (sample below)
5. to the Housing Inspectorate or court-->
Sample message to the owner:
Hello, [Name].
When inspecting the apartment [date], the refrigerator [make, model] was working properly.
Today, [date], the following was discovered: [description of the breakdown].
Please arrange repairs within 3 working days.
If the repairs are not carried out, I will be forced to contact the Housing Inspectorate to recalculate the rent.
Sincerely, [Your name].
If the owner ignores your requests, the next step will be written claim with a notification of delivery (registered letter). In it, indicate:
- 📅 Date of check-in and condition of the equipment during inspection.
- 🔧 Detailed description of the breakdown. (for example, “the compressor does not turn on, there is an error on the display
E1»). - 💰 Demand to reimburse repair costs or replace the refrigerator.
- ⚖️ Link to Article 616 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and the threat of going to court.
4. What to do if there is no repair clause in the contract?
Lack of a written agreement or clause on equipment repair - there is no reason to pay for someone else's breakdownIn this case, the Civil Code norms are automatically applied. RF:
- 📄 An oral agreement has the same legal force as a written one (Article 161 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
- 🔨 Routine repairs (including household appliances) is the responsibility of the lessor (Article 616 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
- 📉 You have the right to demand a reduction in rent until the fault is eliminated (Article 614 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
The problem is that without a contract it is more difficult to prove the original condition of the equipment. Here they will help:
- 📸 Photo/video upon check-in (even if they were taken on the phone).
- 🗣️ Evidence testimony (neighbors, friends who were there during the inspection).
- 💬 Correspondence with the owner, where he confirms that the refrigerator was in working order.
⚠️ Attention: If you pay rent in cash without checks, the owner may claim that you did not rent the apartment at all. Always record payments (for example, by transfer marked “Rent for [month]”).
5. Typical tricks of landlords and how to respond to them
Apartment owners often try to shift responsibility onto the tenant. Here are the most common excuses and how to respond to them:
| The owner's trick | How to refute |
|---|---|
| "The refrigerator was old, it cannot be repaired" | Demand replacement with a similar one in functionality (Article 616 of the Civil Code RF). |
| "You broke it yourself, it's not my fault" | Present an inspection report or a photo upon check-in. |
| "Repairs are too expensive, pay for it yourself" | Threaten to contact the Housing Inspectorate for a recalculation boards. |
| “I am not obliged to repair equipment” | Link to Art. 612 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on the obligation to maintain property in working condition. |
If the owner is stubborn and refuses to make contact, you have three options:
- Reduce the rent payment for the cost of repairs (for example, if the repair costs 5 thousand rubles, subtract this amount from the next payment).
- Contact the Housing Inspectorate with a complaint about improper maintenance of housing.
- Sue to court for reimbursement of expenses (if repaired at your own expense).
What will happen if just not pay the rent?
If you decide not to pay the rent until the refrigerator is repaired, the owner can sue you for non-payment. However, the court will most likely reduce the amount of debt by the cost of repairs (in practice, this happens in 80% of cases). The main thing is to have evidence of the breakdown and your attempts to resolve the conflict.
6. When refrigerator repair is your responsibility
Yes, there are situations when the tenant will have to pay for the repairs. This happens if:
- 🔌 You unauthorizedly turned off the refrigerator from the network for a long period of time (for example, you went on vacation and did not leave it on).
- 🧊 You did not defrost model with a drip system (Indesit BIAA 13, Atlant MHM 1708), which led to icing and breakdown.
- 🚪 You damaged the door (cracks, chips, broken hinges).
- 🔥 You you used the refrigerator inappropriately destination (for example, you stored flammable substances in it).
In these cases, the owner has the right to demand that you pay for repairs or withhold the amount from the deposit (if there was one). However, he must provide:
- 📋 Inspection report with a record of damage.
- 💰 A receipt or estimate for repairs.
- 📸 Evidencethat the breakdown occurred due to your fault.
⚠️ Attention: If the owner withholds from the deposit an amount that exceeds the actual cost of repairs, you can challenge this in court. For example, for replacing a door seal (rubber seal for Atlant) you should not write off 10 thousand rubles if its price is 1.5 thousand rubles.
7. How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator in 2026?
The cost of repairs depends on the type of breakdown and model. Here are the average prices for Moscow and the regions:
| Type of breakdown | Cost (₽) | Repair period |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of the compressor (Samsung, LG, Indesit) | 6 000 – 12 000 | 1–3 days |
| Freon leak | 3 500 – 7 000 | 2–4 hours |
| Replacement of the thermostat (Atlant, Biryusa) | 2 000 – 4 500 | 1 day |
| Repair of electronic unit (Bosch, Liebherr) | 5 000 – 15 000 | 3–7 days |
| Replacement of the door seal | 1 500 – 3 000 | 1 day |
If the refrigerator is older than 10 years, repairs can cost 50–70% of the cost of a new one (for example, a new one Atlant MX 2824-60 costs ~25 thousand rubles, and repair of a compressor - 12 thousand rubles.In this case, it is more logical to agree with the owner to replace the equipment with an additional payment or). without.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about repairing a refrigerator in a rented apartment
❓ The owner says that the refrigerator is not his, but the previous tenants. Who should repair it?
If the refrigerator was in the apartment. at the time of your check-in, it is considered part of the rental property - even if the owner claims that it is “old equipment from previous tenants.” Responsibility for repairs lies with the landlord if the breakdown is not your fault.
❓ Is it possible to call a repairman yourself and then demand compensation from the owner?
Yes, but only if:
- You notified the owner in advance about the breakdown and he ignored your message.
- The cost of repairs is reasonable (does not exceed market prices).
- You have receipts and a certificate of work performed.
If the owner refuses to reimburse the costs, you can deduct the amount from the rent or sue.
❓ The refrigerator broke 2 months after moving in. The owner says it’s my fault. How can I prove otherwise?
They will help you:
- Photo/video of the refrigerator upon check-in (especially if it is clear that it was working).
- Correspondence with the owner, where he confirms the serviceability of the equipment.
- Opinion of an independent expert on the cause of the breakdown (if it is not related to your actions).
❓ The owner demands that I buy a new refrigerator instead of the old one? Is this legal?
No, if the old refrigerator is ok. repair. You are only obligated to compensate for the cost of repair (if at fault) or replacement with a similar model. If the owner insists on purchasing new equipment at your expense, request a written justification with an estimate of the wear and tear of the old refrigerator.
❓ Is it possible to rent out an apartment and not pay for repairs?
Yes, but only if:
- You recorded the breakdown in the act upon eviction.
- The owner did not make any claims within 14 days after your departure.
- The breakdown was not your fault (there is evidence).
If the owner is withholding a deposit, ask him for receipts for repairs or expert advice conclusion.