Does A Refrigerator Typically Stay With The House?

It is important to know what appliances stay with the house you are going to live in. You are probably wondering whether or not a refrigerator stays with the house you are going to buy or rent. Look no further. We have researched all about this for you.

A refrigerator does typically stay with the house if you buy a home that has been lived in. However, if you are moving into a brand new home or renting from a landlord, you will need to find out which appliances stay with the house, if any.

It is not a requirement by law for the seller to leave a refrigerator behind; therefore, if you need one to stay with the house, you should speak up about it and be sure it is included in your contract or lease.

Don't stop here! Keep reading to learn more about what qualifies as an appliance, what you have to leave when you sell a home and more.

A two male move modern steel refrigerator in kitchen, Does A Refrigerator Typically Stay With The House?

Does a Refrigerator Come with a House

Having a refrigerator in the home, you move into is important. It is not quite a necessity if you can afford to eat out or order takeout until you can get a refrigerator. On the other hand, if you are living off of a budget or cannot afford to eat out all of the time, you will want to make sure a refrigerator comes with the home that you are moving into or can buy one.

Never assume the refrigerator will come with the house unless you have discussed the topic with the professionals who you are working with to make this happen. Whenever you buy a home that has been lived in or rent, most often, the refrigerator stays with the house.

If it is a new build, then a refrigerator will more than likely not come with the house unless your contract says otherwise. Check your contract or ask your landlord or realtor ahead of time.

Stainless steel refrigerator in a newly remodeled home

In terms of when you are renting, a refrigerator is almost always included with the house. We say almost always because it varies from home to home. It is not a requirement by law but is an incentive to get people to rent your properties that do include appliances versus any competitor's homes that do not.

What is considered an appliance in a home?

Beautiful young woman loading dishwasher in kitchen

Appliances can be built-in or free-standing. Typically, an appliance is considered equipment used for chores such as cooking, washing clothes, and drying dishes or clothes. Appliances are seen as an oven, dishwasher, trash compactor, and refrigerator in the kitchen. Appliances other than those in a home are a washing machine and a dryer.

Additional kitchen appliances that do not usually come with a house are countertop appliances. Examples of this type of appliance are a microwave, a toaster oven, an air fryer, a crockpot, or an Instant Pot. A microwave stays with a house sometimes but not always, so ask your landlord or realtor if this is your concern.

Click here to see this Instant Pot on Amazon.

Do appliances usually come with a house?

An important thing to understand is that sellers and landlords are not required to include appliances with the sale of a home. Most appliances usually come with a house if you are renting it or buying it from a previous owner. This includes kitchen appliances such as an oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and trash compactor if they are already installed.

If you plan to rent, it is probably a necessity for you that appliances will be included. Keep in mind appliances are not guaranteed to come with a house. In your case, if there are specific items that you want to be left behind, get all of them in writing before signing the lease or contract.

Microwave and voice assistant in kitchen

When you have to purchase appliances for a home that does not come with them, you need to have the right measurements so you get appliances that will fit in the designated space. Otherwise, it will be necessary to remodel, and not everyone can do that. It is a good idea to make these purchases or plans ahead of time so that your home will be ready to be lived in as soon as possible.

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More About Appliances in The Home

Don't forget you can negotiate for the appliances you want or need to stay with the home. You may end up paying less money for fewer appliances and vice versa. In some cases, all of the walls in the home will be painted different colors that you intend to paint over. The seller might consider leaving behind an appliance you need in exchange for not having to paint before they move out.

If the seller plans to leave behind appliances that you do not need or want, you can always sell them, so don't turn them down unless you have no interest in selling the items. Honestly, you don't even have to sell them if you have space to store them until you might need them one day. Either way, keeping appliances that you don't necessarily need yet can still help you in the grand scheme of things.

Typically you can read the description provided about the rental you are thinking about moving into, or you can check the listing for the house. Your best bet is to ask which appliances come with the house before signing any documents.

When selling a house, what do you have to leave?

You do not HAVE to leave behind anything specific when you sell a house. The contract between you and the buyers will include whatever you choose to leave behind.

Extra Items

Are you moving far away and don't want to take everything? If so, and you prefer to leave more behind than most do because of your circumstance, then you can talk to potential buyers about it in advance. It is important not to leave more than you listed because the new tenants or buyers may not need extra appliances or items.

Appliance Manuals

Out of courtesy, you should leave behind any manuals that go with any appliances you are leaving behind. Hardware for cabinets or drawers, tiles, paint, or extra flooring that matches what already exists in the home is acceptable.

Extra filters

Another thing you can leave behind if you choose is any additional filters for the air vents in your home. Such things are usually purchased in specific sizes, so it will not help you take them with you when you sell your home.

Appliances

Many people who are selling their house are in the process of buying a new house; therefore, what you take and what you leave often depend on your situation. Sometimes people leave behind their old washer and dryer knowing they will have the money to purchase a new set. This differs from person to person and house to house, but the seller may increase the price if appliances are included.

Curtains and Rods

Curtains and gilt metal rod

From time to time, people leave curtains and curtain rods behind when selling a home because the curtains match the color of the walls and are the size for that specific space. When you are moving, you will most likely want to buy new curtains that go with the paint colors of the walls or your furniture if they are not included. This is one thing some sellers forget to list and decide last minute to leave behind.

Conclusion

If you buy a home from previous owners who have lived in the home, then the refrigerator typically stays with the house. When you rent or buy a brand new home, this answer may be different. It is not required for a seller or landlord to include appliances. When you rent a house, you have to ask your landlord or check the lease paperwork to see if the house comes with appliances before you sign it.

Before you go, check out the following posts:

Is Garbage Disposal Considered Plumbing Or An Appliance?

Should Kitchen Sink Match Appliances?

How To Arrange Appliances On A Kitchen Counter

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