Login or Sign Up
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forums Home
 
 | 
 
Latest Posts
 
 
 
Global Forums > General > What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
 
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
May 2, 2014 @ 19:01

We are renting a house in the Geneva area, and have had recurring problems with our dishwasher. Our landlord says that maintenance and minor repairs are our responsibility. So, we've had it checked / repaired several times. It is still having problems.


We had it looked at again yesterday and are told the pump and sensor need to be replaced (~750CHF), and they also gave us a quote for a new machine.


When I forwarded the information to the landlord they informed me that the repairs are still for me to cover as part of my contract.  In my opinion, replacing the major component (i.e. the pump) isn't a minor repair - and should be covered by the landlord.


 


My question to this community - - what is your experience in the definition of "minor repairs"? What is normally covered?  Do you have any advice on noxt steps.


 


thanks


Michael


 

The text you are quoting:

We are renting a house in the Geneva area, and have had recurring problems with our dishwasher. Our landlord says that maintenance and minor repairs are our responsibility. So, we've had it checked / repaired several times. It is still having problems.


We had it looked at again yesterday and are told the pump and sensor need to be replaced (~750CHF), and they also gave us a quote for a new machine.


When I forwarded the information to the landlord they informed me that the repairs are still for me to cover as part of my contract.  In my opinion, replacing the major component (i.e. the pump) isn't a minor repair - and should be covered by the landlord.


 


My question to this community - - what is your experience in the definition of "minor repairs"? What is normally covered?  Do you have any advice on noxt steps.


 


thanks


Michael


 


Michael LuceyMay 2, 2014 @ 19:01
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
 
11 Replies | 3097 Views      |  Send to friend
 
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 1
May 3, 2014 @ 04:03

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. Our door was badly damaged when someone tried to break in and the regis refused to fix it because they considered it a 'minor' repair....except I'm pretty sure it will be at least a thousand to replace the door. Doesn't sound 'minor' to me!

The text you are quoting:

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. Our door was badly damaged when someone tried to break in and the regis refused to fix it because they considered it a 'minor' repair....except I'm pretty sure it will be at least a thousand to replace the door. Doesn't sound 'minor' to me!


no.38, May 3, 2014 @ 04:03
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 2
May 3, 2014 @ 09:34

Hello, you have to call to ASLOC but ,normally you have to be member to .good lucky

The text you are quoting:

Hello, you have to call to ASLOC but ,normally you have to be member to .good lucky


rodriguez juliette, May 3, 2014 @ 09:34
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 3
May 3, 2014 @ 09:37

Hello, sorry it's ASLOCA,bye,juliette

The text you are quoting:

Hello, sorry it's ASLOCA,bye,juliette


rodriguez juliette, May 3, 2014 @ 09:37
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 4
May 3, 2014 @ 10:43

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. Our door was badly damaged when someone tried to break in and the regis refused to fix it because they considered it a 'minor' repair....except I'm pretty sure it will be at least a thousand to replace the door. Doesn't sound 'minor' to me!


May 3, 14 04:03

Have you reported the attempted break-in tio the police?  And have you filed a claiom with your insurance company?

The text you are quoting:

Have you reported the attempted break-in tio the police?  And have you filed a claiom with your insurance company?


Ritchie, May 3, 2014 @ 10:43
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 5
May 3, 2014 @ 14:11

If you got a quote for 750 CHF for repairs then I would think of that as a major repair and not just maintenance (like changing a filter or something like that).


So how much would cost to replace the washer now that you have spent so much bringing someone to repair it all the time.?  It might be cheaper to replace it


If it is cheaper to replace it, then I would show the repair quote and the new machine quote to the landlord and make the case for it.  If the landlord refuses, then I would buy the new machine and keep it for myself, and notify the landlord about it.

The text you are quoting:

If you got a quote for 750 CHF for repairs then I would think of that as a major repair and not just maintenance (like changing a filter or something like that).


So how much would cost to replace the washer now that you have spent so much bringing someone to repair it all the time.?  It might be cheaper to replace it


If it is cheaper to replace it, then I would show the repair quote and the new machine quote to the landlord and make the case for it.  If the landlord refuses, then I would buy the new machine and keep it for myself, and notify the landlord about it.


Jean-Jacques B, May 3, 2014 @ 14:11
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 6
May 3, 2014 @ 21:57

But then the landlord might say, later on, "I rented the place with a dishwasher. When he left, there was no dishwasher left."


 

The text you are quoting:

But then the landlord might say, later on, "I rented the place with a dishwasher. When he left, there was no dishwasher left."


 


Zonker, May 3, 2014 @ 21:57
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 7
May 3, 2014 @ 23:15

but his dishwasher would be there... in the basement or somewhere.


But anyway, I thought it was a washer and not a dishwasher, so it would be difficult to take the dishwasher with you when you moved out.  Foot in Mouth  In that case, if the landlord won't budge, then I would just wash dishes with my bare hands the old fashion way.  Too much trouble, time and money arguining about this.

The text you are quoting:

but his dishwasher would be there... in the basement or somewhere.


But anyway, I thought it was a washer and not a dishwasher, so it would be difficult to take the dishwasher with you when you moved out.  Foot in Mouth  In that case, if the landlord won't budge, then I would just wash dishes with my bare hands the old fashion way.  Too much trouble, time and money arguining about this.


Jean-Jacques B, May 3, 2014 @ 23:15
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 8
May 4, 2014 @ 23:55

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. Our door was badly damaged when someone tried to break in and the regis refused to fix it because they considered it a 'minor' repair....except I'm pretty sure it will be at least a thousand to replace the door. Doesn't sound 'minor' to me!


May 3, 14 04:03

Your home insurance (assurance ménage) is supposed to pay for it.

The text you are quoting:

Your home insurance (assurance ménage) is supposed to pay for it.


TheOmegaMan, May 4, 2014 @ 23:55
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 9
May 5, 2014 @ 10:12

Minor repairs are normally up to CHF 150. I would send a letter to your landlord stating that you consider this his problem to fix (did you ask the repair person the age of the dishwasher?). Ask the owner for a written reponse to your request that you can forward you your lawyer. Do things in writing.


I will use this "soapbox" to say once again that NO ONE should be in CH without legal insurance to handle issues like this. Assista (TCS) is one that I can recommend as a user on 3 occasions.

The text you are quoting:

Minor repairs are normally up to CHF 150. I would send a letter to your landlord stating that you consider this his problem to fix (did you ask the repair person the age of the dishwasher?). Ask the owner for a written reponse to your request that you can forward you your lawyer. Do things in writing.


I will use this "soapbox" to say once again that NO ONE should be in CH without legal insurance to handle issues like this. Assista (TCS) is one that I can recommend as a user on 3 occasions.


Verbier, May 5, 2014 @ 10:12
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 10
May 5, 2014 @ 16:09

> I will use this "soapbox" to say once again that NO ONE should be in CH without legal insurance to handle issues like this. Assista (TCS) is one that I can recommend as a user on 3 occasions.


Strongly agree.  In Switzerland they happily try to screw you on each thing you do.


Take a protection juridique + circulation (I recommend TCS, too) and join ASLOCA.  


I am also member of the FRC, it's nice to have more than one string to one's bow. 

The text you are quoting:

> I will use this "soapbox" to say once again that NO ONE should be in CH without legal insurance to handle issues like this. Assista (TCS) is one that I can recommend as a user on 3 occasions.


Strongly agree.  In Switzerland they happily try to screw you on each thing you do.


Take a protection juridique + circulation (I recommend TCS, too) and join ASLOCA.  


I am also member of the FRC, it's nice to have more than one string to one's bow. 


TheOmegaMan, May 5, 2014 @ 16:09
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
Only members can see photos
Only members can see names and photos
Re: What qualifies as 'minor repairs' vs. major repairs for rental properties?
Post 11
May 5, 2014 @ 16:22

In fact if your dishwasher is broken and unusable, the landlord has to fix it.


You can claim a discount on your rent of 3%!


http://www.asloca.ch/sites/default/files/documents/reductions_de_loyer_en_cas_de_default.pdf


This is from the Lausanne site, so you need to check with Geneva ASLOCA.


Join the ASLOCA and get them to sort it for you. If you start paying 3% less rent, and write them a letter to say why, they will fix it.


If the dishwasher is older than 15 years old, you can ask the landlord to replace it.


http://www.asloca.ch/sites/default/files/documents/Tabelle_avertissement.pdf


Good luck

The text you are quoting:

In fact if your dishwasher is broken and unusable, the landlord has to fix it.


You can claim a discount on your rent of 3%!


http://www.asloca.ch/sites/default/files/documents/reductions_de_loyer_en_cas_de_default.pdf


This is from the Lausanne site, so you need to check with Geneva ASLOCA.


Join the ASLOCA and get them to sort it for you. If you start paying 3% less rent, and write them a letter to say why, they will fix it.


If the dishwasher is older than 15 years old, you can ask the landlord to replace it.


http://www.asloca.ch/sites/default/files/documents/Tabelle_avertissement.pdf


Good luck


Richard H, May 5, 2014 @ 16:22
Your Reply:
Reply  Reply With Quote  Thank Poster
! Report to Admin
11 Replies | 3097 Views      |  Send to friend
 
 
 
Feedback Form