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Updated almost 8 years ago, 02/06/2017
Refrigerator Storage Parts - Outrageously Expensive
While turning over a vacant rental property, I noticed that the lower storage pan in the fridge, along with the shelf support, was broken. Unfortunately, I didn't notice this prior to refunding the security deposit (yes, negligent on my part). When pricing replacements for these, I discovered that the average price for these two pieces of cheap plastic is about $120. An extensive internet search for cheaper alternatives have come up empty. I don't want to replace the fridge but for about $200 more, I could get a brand new unit. Has anyone come across this dilemma and do you know of any source of cheaper and/or used fridge components?
Thanks,
Ken
Craigslist for used fridge,, yes the parts for replacement are stupid expensive,
Yup. Basically if a shelf breaks you may as well buy a new fridge.
Have you tried repairclinic.com? I don't know if they have big items like refrigerator shelves but I replaced the brains of one of my dishwashers dirt cheap. They have really good how-to videos.
I usually pay about $100 or so to have a used appliance dealer deliver me a fridge and they warranty it for 30 to 90 days. When they break then I have another one delivered. Sometimes a tenant will prefer to buy themselves a newer/nicer/bigger fridge. I will sometimes wait until I have approved an application before providing appliances. I usually put language in the lease that appliances are provided as-is so that I am not expected to fix broken appliances for a tenant that may end up not paying the rent anyway. These used appliance dealers can usually be found on Craigslist or with a Google search.
@Ken Musial I was in the same situation this summer. I had bought a unit and the previous tenants had kicked in the lower refrigerator bins and removed the rails for the door shelves. The parts were around $300 CAD. The fridge was a number of years old and had dings in the door which was stainless so they really showed. I decided to buy a new fridge for $500 more. But this did change my move in procedures. When I photograph a unit to document condition I now open the fridge and carefully photograph the interior so that if there is damage like this again I can go after the tenants for it.
@Lawrence Henkel III- mentioned repairclinic.com, and yes they do have big things like shelves, I've bought glass and plastic shelves, brackets, handles, etc. from them. Very handy if you are close to them, but they do ship as well!
I've watched a few of Repair Clinic videos and it's a great site. However, their prices are in line with every other place I've looked. It seems like Electrolux monopolizes their parts and figures that large property managers will pay the crazy prices since its usually security deposits that are paying anyway.
We do pay about that same amount for parts, it's dumb. But they don't break by themselves so you know what that means...bill it back!