If you are considering renting a washing machine or other white goods appliance, it is worth weighing up the alternatives first. In many cases, repairing your existing appliance or replacing a faulty part is significantly cheaper and quicker than committing to an ongoing rental agreement.
Renting an appliance means ongoing weekly or monthly payments that quickly add up. Before committing, check whether your existing appliance can be repaired – many common faults are resolved with a single part or one engineer visit. Renting makes most sense when an appliance is beyond economical repair and you need a short-term or flexible arrangement.
Renting vs Repairing: Which Makes More Sense?
Rental agreements are convenient and involve no upfront cost, but the ongoing payments rarely reflect good long-term value. A typical washing machine repair costs between £80 and £180 – often less than three months of rental payments – and leaves you owning your own appliance with no further commitment.
Reasons to repair rather than rent
One-off cost instead of ongoing payments. You keep ownership and control of your appliance. Extends the lifespan of a machine you already know. No contract, no exit fees, no long-term commitment. Usually faster – many repairs completed same or next day.
When renting may not be worth it
Rental costs accumulate quickly – what seems affordable weekly adds up to significantly more than replacement cost over a year or two. You never own the appliance. You may be locked into a contract with exit penalties. The appliance is chosen by the rental company, not by you.
When Renting Might Make Sense
Rental is not always the wrong choice. There are specific circumstances where it is the more practical option.
Appliance beyond economical repairIf the repair cost exceeds roughly 50% of the cost of a comparable new appliance, replacement or rental may make more sense than repair – particularly for older machines.
Short-term or temporary needIf you need an appliance for a short period – such as during a move, renovation, or while waiting for a purchase to arrive – rental avoids the commitment of buying.
Predictable monthly budgetingSome households prefer fixed monthly costs without the risk of an unexpected repair bill. Rental with a maintenance agreement can provide this, though the long-term cost is higher.
No upfront capital availableIf buying a replacement outright is not financially possible right now, rental provides access to a working appliance with a small regular payment rather than a large lump sum.
Appliances Commonly Rented
The following appliance types are most commonly available through rental companies in the UK. Read the pros and cons of renting each type before committing.
Washing machinesThe most commonly rented white goods appliance. Read the full pros and cons of renting versus buying a washing machine.
DishwashersDishwashers are available from some rental companies. Check whether the appliance is suitable for your kitchen before signing any agreement.
CookersGas and electric cookers can be rented. For gas models, always confirm that installation and servicing will be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Fridges and freezersRefrigeration appliances are available to rent, though given their relatively low replacement cost, buying outright is often the better long-term value.
Check Whether Your Appliance Can Be Repaired First
Many appliance faults that appear serious turn out to have a straightforward fix. A blocked pump filter, a worn drive belt, or a failed door interlock can often be resolved with a single part costing less than £30. Before committing to any rental agreement, use the free fault guides on Whitegoods Help to understand what is wrong with your appliance and whether repair is a realistic option.
Free fault diagnosis before you decide
Our fault guides cover over 50 common washing machine problems. Understanding what is wrong with your appliance costs nothing and could save you from an unnecessary rental commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renting a washing machine worth it?
For most households in most circumstances, no. The cumulative cost of rental payments over a year or two typically exceeds the cost of buying a new machine outright, and significantly exceeds the cost of repairing an existing one. Renting makes sense for short-term needs, when an appliance is beyond economical repair, or when upfront capital is not available. Read more: pros and cons of renting a washing machine.
How much does it typically cost to repair a washing machine?
A typical washing machine repair by a qualified engineer costs between £80 and £180 including parts, depending on the fault and your location. Simple faults such as a blocked pump filter or worn door seal sit at the lower end. Major faults such as drum bearings or a control board replacement sit at the higher end. For comparison, typical washing machine rental costs around £8 to £15 per week. Read our full guide: appliance repair costs.
When is renting an appliance a better option than buying?
Renting is most justified when your existing appliance is beyond economical repair and you need something working quickly, when you have a short-term or temporary need, or when upfront capital for a replacement is not available. In these cases, rental provides access to a working appliance with a manageable regular payment. For long-term household use, buying outright – even a budget model – is almost always better value than renting.
My washing machine has stopped working – how do I know if it is worth repairing?
A commonly used rule of thumb: if the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a comparable new machine, repair is usually the better option – particularly if the machine is less than 8 years old. If the fault is a simple mechanical issue like a blocked filter, worn belt, or failed door seal, repair is almost always cost-effective. Use our free fault guides to understand the likely cause before making any decision.