Washing machine allowed in rental?

[arrigo]

I just moved into a rental house and have a small portable washing machine that we use. No where in the lease does it say such a device is not allowed, but my landlord is insisting it's not allowed. Is there any by-law in BC saying renters can't have a washing machine? Thanks for your help :D

[delrico]

It could very well be a violation of housing codes to install a washing machine in a building that isn't set up for it. Is the electric wiring in the house able to power the washer safely? Is the plumbing set up to handle the waste from a washing machine?

If the apartment has never had a washing machine before, chances are the answer to at least one of the above questions is "no".

[yehudi]

It is not your responsibility such a law exists or not. If the landlord insists it is against the law, ask him to point it out (he will fail) and that you would be happy to abide by it. If the lease doesn't prohibit the use of the machine, using one does not put you in breach of contract. And it is too late for the landlord to change the rules until the end of the original lease.

The bottom line is that your landlord likely wasn't aware that portable dishwashers exist so had never thought to include a clause in his lease prohibiting them and is trying to bully you when he has no legal leg to stand on.