Landlord wants me to pay for a brand-new refrigerator after I accidentally damaged an old one. What are my rights?
I accidentally damaged the refrigerator while removing ice from the freezer with a knife. I informed my landlord immediately, admitted it was my mistake, and told him I was willing to pay a fair amount for the damage.
The refrigerator is definitely more than 10 years old, although I don’t know its exact age. My landlord is now insisting that I buy a brand-new refrigerator. I agreed to pay 25% amount of the new refrigerator.
It’s been almost five days now, and I still don’t have a working refrigerator, even though it’s very hot. We haven’t reached any agreement, and my landlord has sent a message that he is busy for atleast 2 more weeks and could be more.
I’m wondering what my obligations are in this situation. Am I required to pay the full cost of a brand-new replacement, even though the old refrigerator had already depreciated significantly?
Also, can the landlord leave me without a refrigerator while this dispute is unresolved?
I would appreciate any advice, especially from people familiar with tenant rights in this situation.
Adding more details:
I’m unable to find my contract.
Even if he has- it’s the most basic one. I remember downloading it from internet and making it just for the sake of it.
I have a liability insurance which I took in 2019 and never used it. My life was going pretty good until now.
What are my options now ?
Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much in advance