Hey Redditors,
I’ve run into an issue with my apartment, specifically the kitchen, and I’m hoping to get some advice from those who might have knowledge or experience in this area.
My kitchen has a Zanussi glass cooktop which recently sustained damage while I was using it for regular cooking. Upon lifting the cooking pan, I noticed a significant crack in the glass, accompanied by small shards that had chipped off. I assure you, I followed standard cooking procedures and applied no unusual force or pressure. Everything suggests that the damage occurred spontaneously.
My main concern now is regarding the age of the kitchen equipment. I’ve been informed that the kitchen, including the cooktop, is older than 10 years. My question is: Can the landlord hold me financially responsible for damages to items in the apartment that are over a decade old, especially when the damage wasn’t a direct result of my actions?
I’m trying to gauge if I should be prepared for any potential charges from my landlord. Any insights, advice, or legal precedents you can share would be immensely helpful!
Thanks in advance for your help!
by Classic-Gift-2058
2 comments
A quick Google search suggests that the standard “wirtschaftliche Lebensdauer” for an electric stove is [15 years](https://www.mobiliar.ch/versicherungen-und-vorsorge/wohnen-und-eigentum/ratgeber/schaeden-an-ihrer-mietwohnung). So you could still be made responsible for some fraction of the cost to replace it if it is not older than 15 years.
Yes, they can.
> especially when the damage wasn’t a direct result of my actions?
Practically, two things can happen. The landlord will let it go or the landlord can say “damage, I have to replace the cooktop – here’s what it will cost”. In that case, the costs have to be determined of your damage based on the price of the cooktop and the depreciation of it.
Generally, this is why most people have a Household contents insurance.