Must I replace the oven?

[Ladylady]

I am letting an unfurnished property that has a hob and oven built in and listed on the inventory. Two days after the new tenant moved in he said the oven seal is missing and it turns out it's an old model and I cannot get a new seal. He insists the oven is unusable because without the seals the knobs get red-hot and demands I buy him a new oven.

Do I have to buy a new one when the property is unfurnished?

I wish I had never let to him as he has only been there 5 days and has been nothing but trouble, so I am not inclined to do anytihng that I don't have to.

He is on a normal AST.

Can anyone please give me any advice on this?

Many thanks.

[Jennifer_M]

As the hob and oven were provided by you and are on the inventory you are responsible to keep them in good working order throughout the tenancy.

The oven being an old model doesn't mean the manufacturer won't make spares anymore (unless it's extremely old). Have you tried contacting the oven manufacturer to ask were to source a new seal ?
If you can't source the seal at all and without it the oven really isn't usable then I'm afraid you'll have to replace it.

[dazalock]

As Jennifer said, its your responsibility to maintain in good working order electrical goods in the property when the tenant moved in. Thats why a lot of landlords have appliance insurance. Its also why you just put in the basics, no televisions or the like. One thing is of concern here however, how was the oven described on the inventory, was it described as in good working order and was any mention made to the condition of the seals. The reason I ask is, if the oven was described as in good working order and the tenant signed to that effect, could be a case that the oven has been damaged since. But, this would be bad practice and petty on your part, and you really should maintain a good working oven.