When Lindsy Wingfield bought her dream home, she assumed that all the included appliances were part of the deal—functioning and covered by warranty if anything went wrong. Unfortunately, that assumption turned into an expensive lesson when her stainless steel refrigerator started acting up. What she thought was a minor ice maker issue revealed a much bigger problem: the entire freezer was defective. After six unsuccessful repair attempts and two visits from the manufacturer’s own technicians, she learned the hard way that warranties don’t always follow the appliance.
So, if you're purchasing a home with existing appliances, what protections do you really have? Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Catch in Appliance Warranties
Many homebuyers assume that when they inherit appliances from a home’s previous owner, they also inherit the manufacturer’s warranty. However, real estate attorney Ariane McClure explains that this is rarely the case.
“Buying appliances with a home is very similar to buying something on Facebook Marketplace,” McClure says. “Basically, you're not expected to get any kind of warranties associated with them.”
Most major appliance manufacturers state in their terms that warranties are non-transferable — meaning they only apply to the original purchaser. If a refrigerator, washer, or oven comes with your new home, the company is not obligated to repair or replace it under the original warranty, even if it’s only a year or two old.
When Repairs Keep Failing, Who’s Responsible?
Lindsy’s situation wasn’t just about a non-transferable warranty; it highlighted a troubling pattern with her refrigerator model. Multiple repair technicians told her that they had worked on four to five identical cases per day—a strong indication of a widespread defect. Yet even after multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer refused to issue a refund or replacement, claiming she wasn’t the original purchaser.
This is a frustrating but common experience for homebuyers who discover that their “new” appliances aren’t as reliable as they seemed. If a manufacturer refuses to step in, homeowners may be forced to shell out thousands for replacements.
What Homebuyers Can Do to Protect Themselves
If you’re in the market for a home—or have recently bought one—here are some steps you can take to avoid an appliance warranty nightmare:
1. Check Appliance Age and Model
- Ask the seller for receipts and documentation of any major appliances included in the sale.
- Look up the appliance model number online to check for common complaints or recalls.
- If the appliances are relatively new, contact the manufacturer to ask about warranty transferability.
2. Consider a Home Warranty, But Read the Fine Print
- Some home warranties cover appliances, but not all policies are created equal.
- Read the terms carefully to ensure coverage includes pre-existing appliances and does not exclude common repair issues.
- Be wary of vague language—some warranties only cover certain parts or charge high service fees.
3. Negotiate Appliance Coverage in Your Home Purchase Agreement
- If appliances are a major selling point, consider negotiating a provision where the seller includes a home warranty for the first year.
- Request documentation that proves the appliances were working properly before closing.
- If the appliances are near the end of their lifespan, use that as a bargaining chip for a price reduction.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and the last thing you want is unexpected appliance failures draining your budget. As Lindsy Wingfield learned, even a high-end refrigerator can become a headache if it isn’t covered by warranty.
To avoid this scenario, do your homework before closing. Ask questions, check documentation, and consider additional coverage if needed. If you do run into issues, document everything and escalate your case with the manufacturer—some companies may offer goodwill repairs or replacements even if the official warranty doesn’t apply.
Want more consumer protection tips? Visit TrustDALE.com for vetted professionals, reviews, and insights that help homeowners make smarter purchases.