what a beautiful kitchen! i love all the original details.

there are inexpensive white appliance that would fit the space so much better. i would go with 20"-24"W. i love the look of vintage appliances, but the new ones are so expensive. you might be able to find a narrow vintage stove on craigslist for a good price. summit makes a good looking 24'W fridge and avanti makes sort of retro looking stoves.

i want to see the after pictures!

you might ask to do something about that floor, too.

As someone who has moved more than two dozen times since high school, in my experience most landlords would jump at such an offer. Chances are they're fully aware of the quality (or lack thereof) of their appliances and while they're planning on replacing them one day, are trying to put that off for as long as possible. What you're proposing would save them a lot of money in the future - although I'm guessing you'd probably choose nicer units than they would, which could be an issue.

Does your lease specify anything about working appliances? If it does, the landlord might be required to replace the oven, saving you the cost of that 50%. I wouldn't call what you described as a working oven, personally. While you didn't specify the problem with the fridge, I'm guessing it has issues as well, and the same might apply. I was able to get a landlord to replace my stove because 2 out of the 4 burners didn't work and the temperature control on the oven didn't work properly (you had to guess where to set it - fun!). Kind of the same thing.

Good luck!

I say it never hurts to ask. Though Adrienne_cook brings up a good point in regards to what you might choose versus your landlord. I would go to the landlord after doing some research on what exactly you want in the appliances, maybe even with specific models or options in mind - but be reasonable. Or maybe the two of you can sit and discuss some price points that they are willing to split.

The other option is to simply help the appliances you have along in their demise. Then the landlord would have to replace them. :)
(I am not actually suggesting you do this!)

I would first try going to the landlord and asking for them to replace the appliances and only offer to split the cost if they say no (after you've insisted that the current ones do not function properly). It might also help if you went to them with a few reasonably priced options, maybe even show them a price comparison.

Do it...can't hurt to try. I did this several years ago and it worked out well. The landlord gave me a budget and then I paid the difference. If you do agree to an arrangement, get it in writing. Have the landlord write a simple letter and save all your receipts.

You could definitely ask. Worse case scenario, the landlord says "no."

But, if the oven is your biggest concern, you can calibrate the oven on your own for next to nothing. Here's a tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJCZWn3qzI8 (it's not my tutorial, I've just used it in the past.) In most cases, calibration will solve the problem.

I don't understand these post about splitting the cost with the landlord. It really is his job to provide working appliances. Renters do have rights...look that up in the internet. There is nothing that states YOU need to buy the appliance or even 50/50. I'm in California so I'm not sure how it is in other states.
Any rental I've had in my many years of renting before I purchase my condo, the landlord paid for EVERYTHING. If you can prove that these appliances do not work and you don't want to replace them simply for looks, it is his/her responsibility to replace them. Best of luck

@LyonStill - I think the problem is the appliances still work. They might not work incredibly well, but they work. I know hindsight is 20/20, but unless you're renting sight unseen, check the appliances and get the kinks worked out before you move in!

The oven may just need the thermostat calibrated. A good guess is to look at the inside of the oven; does it look well-used? Pay attention to the heating elements as well, do they have white residue on them? If yes, the oven may just be done and need replacing. While you're peeking in there, make sure that the thermostat isn't touching the walls of the oven and is only suspended by the clip; this can make an oven run hot.

I'm not sure what the problem with the fridge is, but start with cleaning the coils and checking the seals. (AT has a nice post on it here)

Talk to your landlord first to make sure that he or she will reduce your rent by the repair costs. Get quotes first, and if it's about the landlord's portion for new appliances, suggest that route instead.

Good Day PI: I appreciate your feed-back but appliances that are not working well, is not working. It sucks the life out of your electricity bill.
I'm not being combative-I just think these landlords are taking their tenants for granted. It's just peels my skin!! "K, nuff said-I'll get off my soap box.

Any landlords out there like to chime in?

As a former landlord, we'd probably go for repair if the appliances were in good shape but just needed a fix (like the thermostat). If they were 10+ years old (and so energy hogs), we'd offer to replace with standard low-end appliances. Tenant could pay for upgrade from that, if they leave them.

Try to understand that from the landlord's point of view, every second or third tenant just thrashes the place. It sounds like there are lots of perfect tenants here, but not everyone is so great. We've had even GOOD tenants leave us with a newer stove the cat has peed all over for many months, and one bad tenant (who came with great recs) left us with thousands of dollars of damage to the house, way beyond what the security deposit covered. So landlords are generally both cautious and cheap (or, like us, they get out of the business!).

RANGE:
http://seattle.ebayclassifieds.com/appliances/bremerton/20-inch-holiday-brand-gas-flame-pilot-range/?ad=22500689

FRIDGE:
http://seattle.ebayclassifieds.com/appliances/redmond/gently-used-frigidaire-sxs-fridge/?ad=21936689

You can!

I've picked inexpensive pieces above (or maybe you have a big box store w/ gently used, display, or newish appliances). Saying you want to split the price (and expressing your love of the place and intention to stay for a long time - in effect SAVING him money b/c he won't have to look for a new tenant for some time) should help.

Come on guys, yes she has the right to ask. The appliances are VERY old and prob not very user friendly.

I'm a landlord:

1. I always make sure all appliances are working and safe, and if for some reason they aren't, I get them fixed, straight away.

2. I make a strong effort to buy appliances that complement the room in style, color, etc.

3. If a tenant came to me to switch out the unit(s) because they liked something different, I would do it at my expense if I thought the appliance was due for an upgrade and if their choices fit with the apartment.

4. If the tenant wanted something different that I did not particularly like, but was planning to stay for a couple of years (and paid rent on time, and was clean, quiet, etc.) then I would consider letting them switch them out if I had a place to store the other units.

5. If a tenant wanted to switch out appliances that were new and perfect for the place and offered to pay 50% and leave them there upon vacancy, I'd probably jump at the chance.

We actually just did this with our landlord. The oven we had was leftover from the 80s and did not bake evenly. We gave ourselves a budget and even picked out a unit to show to the landlords. We e-mailed them a link to what we'd like to get and offered to pay for half of it if they took the other half off of our rent. They were pretty happy about it. I now have a convection oven in my kitchen. Wahoo!

.......
5. If a tenant wanted to switch out existing, old appliances with ones that were new and perfect for the place and offered to pay 50% and leave them there upon vacancy, I'd probably jump at the chance.

I don't think anyone should have to live with inadequate appliances. While I think you can absolutely go to your landlord you might be subject to the landlords choice and in my experience something crappy I have usually gets replaced by something used that turns crappy later. I would definitely approach with a plan of action and also wouldn't offer to pay 1/2 unless necessary. Considering the state of your oven, I don't think you should have to pay for that at all!! It's also a good idea to look up the price of your appliances are new, that way you have an idea of what your landlord might be willing to pay and you can look in their price range. Also-- I LOVE that kitchen!! Good apartment find :)

I think you are flat out irrational to offer to pay for 50% of the cost of new appliances that will not be your property upon moving. I know this is your home, but you RENT this place and it is and not your responsibility to replace a broken stove or fridge. Report it to the landlord so that he or she can either fix or replace them with whatever they want. As a renter you should be respectful of the unit, but I wouldn't sink any money into improving it. If you don't like the appliances or any other aspect of the property then you have the freedom to simply leave at the end of your lease and move into something more suitable.

Save money toward a home you own, or other investments.

If you're putting out any large lump sums of cash I'd make sure your lease has sufficient term on it to make it worthwhile (you don't want your lease not to be renewed the next year if you were planning on staying long term). Perhaps an extension as part of the deal?

You might also consider asking for a rent abatement / free rent to compensate.

Shux,

I just bought a new stove and didn't ask my landlord to pay for it. I really should have, but she paid for a lot of stuff when we first moved in. It was a deal for her as we had professional help to refresh the apartment, she just paid for materials.

I think landlords like it when you are interested in having nice things (and are willing to pay for some portion of it). Perhaps start with asking for someone to come and repair them (tell your landlord about the problems you have with them). If they can't fix them then move on to asking for new. If they balk, offer to pay for some nominal portion (like delivery) and then move up from there.

Also, you should seriously look into used but refurbished appliances. I bought my stove at a used appliance store for $300. It's a lower-mid range stove that would have cost perhaps $700-$800 in like new condition.

Consider sweetening the pot by offering to extend your lease. If you think you want to stay for a while, why not tack on a year?

Agree you should not offer to pay half. That puts you in a weaker bargaining position. What if the landlord knows it's time to replace and just hasn't gotten around to it yet?

As a landlord, I would absolutely say yes. It increases the value of the apartment in the long-run and you have a happier tenant. Also, both the old and new appliances should be eligible for rebates, to save you both some money with the purchase.

I'd ask first if they can be replaced, if they disagree then I'd offer to pay 50%.

I understand that as long as working appliances are there the landlord is not obligated to ensure they work perfectly or are more energy-efficient -- especially because they don't know if you'll trash the place or the appliances. Showing the initiative to ask for them to be replaced and offering to pay the cost means they will take you more seriously.

As it has been said, go in with options and a few prepared price points/ideas.

I'm green with envy. That's a fantastic kitchen!

I'd definitely ask them to replace first and if they say no, offer to go 50/50.

Instead of offering to pay half, I'd start with offering to extend your lease by an extra year if they make the swap. As long as you are a good renter (clean, pay on time, quiet, etc) then they'll probably jump at the chance to keep you in the unit and not worry about having to find someone else in a year

Research the appliances you'd like, and try to find some good deals. Tell your landlord that if they give you a reasonable budget for appliances, you'll work within it to find the best bargain and offer to take care of actually ordering it and being there for delivery. Your landlord may be more willing to give you a budget for appliances if they don't have to do any work for it other then pay for it.

Great little kitchen!! I agree with those who said to ask the landlord to replace the appliances, offer to split only as a last resort.

This is one area I have experience. I have done this. This is what I learned; 1) Yes, you can ask. And more likely than not, if your landlord plans on re-renting after you leave and you leave the appliances behind, they will agree. 2) Pick out what you want. So you pick out the Amana Armoire fridge and it runs around $1,150.00....your landlord is going to have a fridge for $575.00 that he could have never gotten for that price. he comes out ahead. So make sure you pick out EXACTLY what you want. 3) Show him higher end rentals with better appliances and what they rent for....he can probably ask another $25-$50 a month if his place has one or two higher end appliances.
The place we had, we chose to keep our things in storage, but went halvsies with him to run a new gas and water line to install the washer/dryer in another area. We also had an electrical line run to the kitchen that split the cost on. Lastly, we split the cost of a fridge, dishwasher and stove that we purchased at the same time to get a lower cost on each. We spent about $2,300.00 and each of us only paid $1200.00. I had the benefit of good working appliances that were what I wanted.
I would tell you also, don't just go to your landlord and ask him to replace your appliances. You are going to get a stock fridge. If you want something higher end that meets your needs, splitting the cost is the best way to get it. Good luck

I would offer to go 50/50 only if the landlord is not willing to replace the appliances. If they are not functioning properly, and especially if the stove is a safety/fire hazard, he is obligated to repair or replace them. So talk to him first and find out what he is willing to do.

The kitchen is cute. I think that sink would look so nice with a little skirt around it!

I forgot to mention....we had agreed to a four year lease. He knew we were going to be there for a while. It made him more inclined to make the purchase.

Just keep the sink!!!! That is such a dream. Please, please, don't get rid of the sink!

xx.

I had that same cabinetry and sink in my old studio kitchen here in Chicago! Loved it!

Also, my two cents, I would see what the landlord offers before offering to pay half. You shouldn't feel badly for asking....and you shouldn't feel so compelled to be super accommodating...something that has taken me a while to learn. This is business and you are paying for the studio which should be outfitted with properly functioning appliances. I would make selections and even prepare some comparisons around energy efficiency and how much can be saved in the long run. Good luck!

I lived in Seattle and successfully got a new fridge two years ago. Here's what I did: (1) I bought an inexpensive fridge thermometer, which showed that it was not consistently keeping the interior below 40 degrees, which is a safety hazard; (2) I had Seattle City Light come in and do a free energy audit, and they found that the fridge was so old it was a huge energy hog (it didn't even have a frost-free freezer!); (3) Seattle City Light wrote me a letter to that effect; and (4) I submitted a maintenance request asking politely that it be replaced and why, attaching the SCL letter. What they did was move in a newer fridge from an empty unit (my landlords were awful about spending any money at all, as you can imagine from the 60s era not-frost-free fridge.) But it worked for me, as what I cared about was that my food was not adequately cold and I hated defrosting the freezer. (P.S. I don't live there anymore, due to the crappy maintenance issues.)

In Washington, landlords are governed by the Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Under the act, they have a duty to "maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by him or her in reasonably good working order." http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18.060. (Disclaimer: this is legal information, not legal advice). : )

So, with that knowledge in mind, you can make your request, see what they propose, and go from there (offering to pay for upgraded appliances, if necessary). Good luck!

You can ask your landlord anything but whether he/she will agree is a different story. It sounds to me as though your stove is not working and the landlord should either fix it or provide a replacement if it is beyond help. If the landlord offers a substandard replacement, ask for the stove you want first, and if your request is rejected, then you can offer to pay the difference between what was offered and what you want. I presume you are not looking for a super-duper high-end stove.

I agree with the point RLS111 made, you need a lease that guarantees you'll be staying there for a few years (or however long you think is worth your costs) without raising the rent. The cynic in me worries a shady landlord will give you the boot at the end of your current lease and raise the rent based on the new appliances.

No. If you really hate the appliances, put them in storage and buy your own. All new. When you move, they go with you.

As a landlord, if a reliable tenant offered to commit to a longer lease, I would do a lot to please them. Upgrading appliances either with new or better used ones will make the apartment more appealing to future tenants. It's a no brainer. Just a tip for all renters, if you have your money a few days BEFORE it's due, go ahead and pay the rent. You will be in such good graces with the landlord that you can get away with a lot! I just had a tenant who was transferred and didn't leave the space absolutely perfect but I refunded his full deposit because he always paid his rent early, even as much as a week. When it's the last of the month and your scraping the bottom of the barrel to meet expenses, those kind of tenants are lifesavers!

I'd suggest asking the landlord to replace the appliances first. In my experience landlords tend to know when the appliances could use some updating. I struggled with the stove in my current place at first. It was electric and some of the coils weren't heating correctly. My landlord came and fixed it and it worked for a while then two of the burners conked out. Finally I just asked him to replace the stove. I am a heavy cooker and there is no way to get around it. His wife also asked him to replace the fridge when I first moved in. It was old but working ok, but the crisper drawers were missing. So she just said replace the whole thing. Worked out great for me!

You sound like me. Offering to pay half is something I would have done when I rented. I definitely agree with the people who advised you to ask first before offering any money. If your landlord says yes, offer to research the appliances - maybe your landlord is really busy and you can take that task off his hands while steering the purchase towards something you like. In my first apartment, the kitchen had dark, fake wood laminate cabinets, an adorable vintage stove in white and an ugly ivory fridge. He let me paint the cabinets (yes, you can paint laminate if you prime with Bin) and I painted the fridge with appliance spray paint. The kitchen looked so much better and I bought the paint myself so it was nothing for the LL. I don't think renters should have to forgo aesthetics just because they don't own the place.

Going 50/50 on appliances that you can't take with seems like a waste of money. I'd first try negotiating with the landlord to see if they'll replace them. If they're really not working well, then it's their responsibility!! If they won't budge, then maybe consider buying new appliances yourself and putting the existing ones in storage until you move. Then you can take the new ones with you!

@LYONSTILL, unfortunately, PI is right. An appliance that isn't working well is still a working appliance. You can ask your landlord to fix what's wrong (to have someone calibrate the temperature or to fix a timer that doesn't work), but as long as the basic functionality of the appliance is there, then they've covered their end of the deal.

Another example is that (where I live), ventilation is required in the bathroom. To me, that would mean an exhaust fan, but the tiny window in the room fulfills the law's ventilation requirement. Now I live in Chicago, so opening a bathroom window while I'm in the shower is pretty much out of the question for half the year, so I'm constantly battling the moisture that builds up in there. But, it's all up to code and there's nothing more required of my landlord. The same goes for the appliances in question here. As long as they fulfill their function (and there's no apparent safety issue), there's no legal requirement to upgrade them.

But, I'd still ask the landlord about making the fixes. I think putting your own money into a rental is a huge waste. If you make it clear that you're going to keep on putting in requests for someone to service it, he might find it more worth the money to replace it with something more reliable that won't incur the same repair costs. If it's a gas oven, make it clear that you're concerned about the safety of it as well.

Also, you can only use the energy savings argument if the utility cost is built into your rent. I've always had leases where I paid my own electric and gas bills, so none of my landlords would have ever cared if my old fridge was guzzling power.

Such a good question and many good responses! Thank you! My new place didn't get painted and I want it done. Was going to just do it all myself, buy all the stuff, do all the work - but everyone here convinced me I should ask for what's rightfully mine by law and only volunteer money as a last resort. Thank you all you strong AT'ers!

Kati W I'm 99% sure that you live next door to me. (I have friends in that building and their kitchen is identical. Is there a lot of construction on the west side of your building right now?) If that is the case - I'm pretty sure that those landlords are selling the building, or at least shopping around for a buyer.

HOWEVER, the thermometer and Seattle City Light option sounds like the most practical route.

Since you're in my neck of the woods too (!):
http://www.atg.wa.gov/ResidentialLT/default.aspx
According to the state of Washington the Landlord's Responsibilities are: "11. Fix other appliances that come with the rental."

So if you rented your unit with a stove/oven and a refridgerator and they do not work according to their intended use, it is the landlords full responsibility to fix or replace. You shouldn't even have to go 50% in on any of it.

Save your money and put it to good use else where!

Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments and suggestions!! Especially from the landlords and folks in the Seattle area, they've been very helpful. A lot of folks have been asking what's wrong with the fridge, it's actually not that bad, just really ugly and has dents in it. I think I will talk to my landlord about getting the stove fixed first, then if that doesn't work I'll talk to him about getting a new one. It's very old, and it honestly should probably be junked. The reason I figured I'd offer to go 50/50 with the landlord is because I would probably want to get something a little nicer than the basic, lowest end model available. There's actually a shop down the street that sells really nice refurbished 1950's styled models that I thought would look great in the kitchen. I've just seen them in the window, so I don't know anything about them other than they're adorable.

A couple of you mentioned that I shouldn't get rid of the sink. No worries there! I love that sink, and the "cabinet" on the lower right in the picture is actually the original refridgerator. It doesn't work anymore, but part of the reason I love this place is because of these super cool old fixtures that you just can't get anymore. The kitchen has a lot of potential, it's just these ugly appliances that drag it down.

And Becker.Sea, I don't think so. There's no construction anywhere near me that I know about. As far as I know, my landlord just bought the place about 3 or 4 years ago and I haven't heard anything about them wanting to sell it. It seems pretty established. Thanks, though!!

I don't have an answer but oh, my goodness...that sink!

Ditto SLQ, the Landlord Tenant law seems to suggest your landlord has to keep the appliances in working order.

p.s. I live in Seattle too. You love your studio now, and you probably have the perfect urban lifestyle you always dreamed of in some hip/fun neighborhood, but not to be a downer but you are not going to want to live there forever, trust me. Think hard before replacing the appliances yourself.

I did something a bit similar with my landlord here in Los Angeles. I asked him if he would be OK to have a ceiling fan installed in my kitchen that gets boiling hot in the summer, if I'd pay for the fan and he'd pay for the install. Of course it would stay behind once I moved. Not only he agreed to it but he offered to match my budget so we'd get a better-looking fan.
Now if I were you I'd consider buying my own fridge that would move with me, but I'd ask the landlord to fix the stove.

Ask him if he'll spring for new appliances first. If he says no, then offer the 50/50 deal. Don't be afraid to negotiate. If you're willing to go through the trouble of purchasing them, installing them and having them delivered, and then paying half on top of that, he might see that as a good deal.

I got my landlady to switch our fridge by pointing out how un-eco-friendly the existing one was (same vintage as yours!) and that the city of San Francisco was offering a rebate. And PG&E had another rebate for going Energy Star.

I would first try suggesting new appliances, if the landlord doesn't budge, then offer the 50% deal :)

You could even go for Craigslist, lot of new(er) appliances there.

OR, better yet, sell that fridge on CL, buy a new nice one for you, and when you move out, get a used fridge off CL... and you'll have a new fridge you own. Nah, that sounds like a bad idea, actually :D

if they are unsafe or just not functioning, get the landlord to fix or replace them. they might not be your dream appliances, but then you are only renting the place. save your dream wants for when you own your own place.

i would keep my hard earned money for things that i get to keep. i wouldn't be making donations to my landlord.

Did the appliances come with the apartment? They the landlord should be obligated to replace at his expense. So splitting the cost would be a win-win for him.

If he won't budge, then look for something on your own, used if necessary.

Your kitchen really is cute and looks like it was built before stoves and fridges. It looks like the cabinet on the right was once an ice box.

@NICIEPIE Best answer....and stunning little kitchen..love it so much..I hope the landlord replaces or fixes that stove for you. The fridge is all awky yes..but..live with it a bit..clean it all shiny fresh inside and out..the Mr.Clean sponges are great for outside grime..it may end up just blending i...after you decorate with your fab finds for your stunning little find of studio! I just relooked at your fridge and totally was on my LAST NERVE..I do understand..

By this point in the discussion there's nothing to add except if there is any possibility of moving the fridge & the oven farther apart it's worth it, even if you have to walk farther to the fridge. It's a shame to pay to have one gizmo heating while the one right next to it is cooling--unless of course that's the only place to put it. And in a small antiquey place it very well could be!

Hey Katie,
I actually had the same situation myself last August. I brought it to my landlord (a mid sized company), and they had a deal happening with an appliance provider. They ended up replacing my stove, fridge, and bathroom vanity for 50 bucks a month extra in rent. Was a great deal to me! They did all the work, and I helped pay off the new stuff. In this case though, they picked the appliances, and they were just basic white ones, but much cleaner and more pleasant to look at. Must be one of those depends on the landlord thing, but from their perspective you'd be adding value to their property.

Why do people continue to rent property that is not up to their standards? If I had working appliances, or appliances that just needed a bit of tweaking, I wouldn't dream of asking a landlord to go 50/50 on anything with me. I hope you enjoy your studio, even with its shortcomings.

I recently saw appliance paint at Home Depot. A fresh coat of white appliance paint would cover a variety of sins.