Do landlords in Ireland have to provide you with a vacuum cleaner?

Your vacuum cleaner / hoover has stopped working and it has finally met its maker. It has been with the property since you started renting it.

Does your landlord have to replace it?

Does my landlord have to replace a broken vacuum cleaner?

Your landlord probably should replace the hoover.

However, they are under no legal obligation to do so. In Ireland, vacuum cleaners are not an “essential rental appliance.” They do not fall under the same rules as microwaves, fridges or washing machines.

This is because, technically, you do not need a hoover. In other words, you could use a carpet sweeper or a brush and a dustpan. You could also use a bucket of water and a sponge. It will take more time, effort and swear words.

However, technically speaking, it is still possible for you to keep the property clean without a vacuum cleaner.

You can still ask your landlord to replace the hoover anyway.

Although your landlord is not legally obligated to provide you with a vacuum cleaner, it is probably in their best interests to do so.

I mean, it is their property. Providing their tenant with a tool that aids in the general upkeep of their “investment” is a smart move, in my opinion.

In most cases, you will find that they will agree to supply you with one.

Sometimes, landlords will provide you an old piece of junk that is painful to use.

Vacuum cleaners aren’t that expensive. You will often find cheaper “off-brand” alternatives for around €50 if you shop around in places such as Argos.

Basically, you might not want your landlord to give you a hoover.

This is because in some cases, the replacement that your landlord gives you will be a piece of junk that they found in their garden shed. That or they took it from another vacant property that they own. The suction is poor, the cable is finicky and one of the handles keeps slipping off.

All in all, it is a chore to use.

To make a long story short, it might be in your best interests to just buy one for yourself. That way, you’re actually getting a new vacuum cleaner instead of a battered hand-me-down.