Do Apartments Come With Fridges/Refrigerators?

Yes, apartments can come with a fridge, but not all of them do.

While not all housing setups are built and equipped with installations the same, many do feature electric appliances, such as a fridge.

However, terms and conditions apply.

Moreover, many people opt out of getting an old appliance for fear of it being worn-out out and instead bring in their own.

As renters and homeowners, it’s essential to learn about homes with or without fridges.

Table of Contents

Are Home Owners Supposed To Provide A Fridge?

Many tenants and homebuyers assume that property owners are supposed to give a fridge, among other kitchen appliances, along with the apartment.

In fact, some go as far as thinking that homeowners are bound by law to do so.

But that’s not true. Sure, there are laws binding property owners to have specific offerings if they wish to put their house on the market.

While every State has its own regulations for homeowners to follow, some principles remain the same across the country. One of those is the landlord habitability requirement.

The landlord habitability requirement mandates all landlords to only list their homes when these features are available in the property.

An up and running heating and air conditioning system
A fully functional plumbing system
Electrical supply and an electric system
All building safety codes and standards
Sanitation system
No apparent hazards
Functional safety mechanisms
Safe to reside in during all kinds of weathers, i.e., weather-resistant
Pest-free living space
Sewage disposal system

Looking at the list of items mentioned above, one can argue that not having a fridge should be a violation of the said law because it makes a place livable.

But that is not true.

Only those features in a home need to be present that meet basic needs, and a fridge is not one of them.

Although a refrigerator is incredibly important for comfortable living, it isn’t indispensable for someone’s existence.

A person can survive without a fridge, albeit with difficulty. Nonetheless, you can go for some time, at least without having the said kitchen appliance.

Therefore, many landlords choose not to offer one when listing their homes.

With everything said, it must be noted that even though property owners are not bound by law to provide a fridge, some may do it anyway.

Apartments With or Without a Fridge

As mentioned earlier, landlords don’t need to give you a refrigerator as they are not decreed to do so by the rule of law.

But that’s not the only reason you might not find a fridge in an apartment.

A fridge is an electrical appliance that requires a decent amount of upkeep. And maintaining one is easier if you are using it constantly and have it operational, which property owners do not.

Resultantly, looking after an installation becomes a tall order for them. Hence, they forego providing a fridge.

Choosing an Apartment

Looking for an apartment can be a little daunting because there are so many factors that one has to look for to find the best unit for themselves.

Among all the aspects you have to look for in a home, a fridge may be in the top entries.

Even so, you might come across listings that don’t have one, yet you feel drawn to those options, thinking that you can simply buy one.

Little do you realize that purchasing and installing a fridge can be too much for your bank. So what should you do? It’s simple, weigh the pros and cons of each scenario.

An Apartment with No Refrigerator

When house hunting, having a checklist is a must as it helps you narrow down your options.

Moreover, it helps you prioritize the needs you don’t wish to compromise on. That said, always look for a place with the following qualities.

Electrical outlets
Cable hookups
Smoke detectors
Lighting
Thermostat
Windows and blinds
Flooring
Cleanliness

Of course, there can be other things as well, but these should be present, even if a refrigerator is not.

If you are getting the mentioned items along with your other priorities, you might want to consider leasing the place.

An Apartment with a Refrigerator

If you can find a place with a refrigerator, you should go over the terms and conditions in the lease.

You don’t want a fridge without maintenance covered.

Many times, tenants get refrigerators, but those can be old and worn-out, warranting repairs every now and then. If that happens with you, you will lose a lot of money.

Therefore, it’s better to know if the appliances you are getting are in workable conditions secondly if their maintenance is covered.

What Other Appliances May OR May Not Be In an Apartment

Like fridges, many kitchen appliances don’t qualify as amenities, which is why they are not included in many housing units.

These include a microwave, a hotplate, washing machine, dishwater, etc.

Knowing if you will be getting any such installations becomes easier if you pay attention to the titles of listings when house hunting.

Places marked as unfurnished rentals will not have any installations and furniture.

Homes marked as part-furnished will provide some appliances, such as a fridge and washing machine.

Lastly, furnished listings mean the house under that category will come with every amenity and appliance you need.

Be sure to pay attention to a place’s status in terms of being furnished to know what you will be getting.

Things to Have In Your Contract

Although there can be other things you want to have in your lease, these headings must be present.

Names of all tenants
Occupancy limits
Term of the tenancy
Rent Deposits and fees
Repairs and maintenance
Entry to rental property
Restrictions on illegal tenant activity

Don’t forget to add a section on appliances in your deal to ensure the maintenance of items is taken care of by the landlord.

Moreover, as a tenant, you are entitled to enjoy some quiet time by yourself and your family.

This means your landlord cannot barge in whenever they want. That may not be listed in the clauses of your deal, but if you think you want to, you should talk to your landlord.

Other articles you may also like: