Life in the diaspora: What are “white goods?” – a surprise for new tenants in the United Kingdom. In the UK, “White Goods” generally refers to large domestic appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, freezer, and sometimes the cooker or oven. Although many of these appliances are no longer white in colour, the name has remained.
By Mary Opii
One of the many unfamiliar expressions Nigerians encounter when renting a home in the UK is the term “White Goods.” If you are new to the country, you may come across this phrase in a tenancy agreement or property advertisement and wonder what it actually means.
The first time I saw it, I assumed it referred to the colour of certain household items. After all, why else would they be called “white goods?” It was only later that I discovered the term has very little to do with colour and everything to do with essential household appliances.
In the UK, “White Goods” generally refers to large domestic appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, freezer, and sometimes the cooker or oven. Although many of these appliances are no longer white in colour, the name has remained.
For many Nigerians relocating to the UK, this can be an important lesson because it directly affects the type of accommodation you rent.
Unlike in Nigeria, where tenants often move into an empty apartment and provide most household appliances themselves, many rental properties in the United Kingdom already include some or all of these essential items. Property advertisements usually describe the accommodation as “furnished” “part-furnished,” or “unfurnished,” but these descriptions do not always tell the whole story. An unfurnished property may still include white goods, while another may not.
This is why it is important to read the property description carefully and ask questions before signing a tenancy agreement.
I remember viewing rental properties when I was searching for accommodation. One property looked attractive in the photographs, but when I asked about the washing machine and refrigerator, I was told they were not included. Another property came with all the essential appliances, making it much easier to settle in without the immediate expense of buying them. That experience taught me that two properties with similar rent could offer very different value depending on what was included.
Understanding what comes with a property can save both money and inconvenience. Purchasing large appliances immediately after moving into a new home can be expensive, particularly for newcomers who are already dealing with rent deposits, utility bills, and other settlement costs.
Another important point is responsibility for repairs. In many cases, if the white goods are supplied by the landlord as part of the tenancy, it is the landlord’s responsibility to repair or replace them when they develop faults through normal use. However, if the tenant brings in their own appliances, maintenance becomes the tenant’s responsibility. This is one reason tenancy agreements should always be read carefully.
The term “white goods” also appears frequently during property inspections and inventories. Before moving in, tenants are usually given an inventory listing everything provided in the property, including these appliances. At the end of the tenancy, the same inventory is checked to ensure that the items are still present and in reasonable condition.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, this reflects another aspect of British life: clarity and documentation. Rather than relying on verbal agreements, landlords and tenants are encouraged to document what is included from the very beginning. This helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Over time, expressions like “white goods” become part of your everyday vocabulary. You begin to understand property listings more easily and know the right questions to ask before committing to a tenancy.
Living in the UK is filled with moments like these, where unfamiliar terms gradually become familiar. They may seem insignificant at first, but they often have practical implications that affect daily life.
And before long, you will find yourself reading a property advert and smiling when it says, “Includes all white goods,” because you will know exactly what that means, and why it matters.
