Tenant wants me to replace the jetted tub with a plain tub

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Tenant wants me to replace the jetted tub with a plain tub

Sateesh B.
Investor · Monroe, NJ · Member since 2017 · 20 posts · 2 votes

One of my tenants is pestering me to replace a perfectly working jetted tub with a plain tub, she is quoting that it is tough to clean and due to that she is getting fungal infection and quoting medical reasons, Plumbers are quoting between 2 to 3K to replace the tub, I asked her to use professional cleaners to clean the tubm but she is pestering me, Am i required to replace the tub, since she is quoting medical reasons will I be liable for any medical bills. She is not willing to pay for the change, All the units on this building contains a jetted tub and none of my other tenants seems to have a problem. How do i handle this situation. Apreciate your reply. Thanks.

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JD MartinBusiness Member
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Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes
4y

I wouldn't do a thing. If she is getting fungal infections from what she claims is the tub, let her produce scientific evidence that it is because of that fact and that there is some specific defect why the tub cannot be properly cleaned. Given the fact that millions of people have jetted tubs, I doubt she can produce this.

I would tell her nicely to pound sand. And you should have good insurance anyway so I wouldn't worry 5 cents about her supposed claim to medical bills.

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  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    4y

    I wouldn't do a thing. If she is getting fungal infections from what she claims is the tub, let her produce scientific evidence that it is because of that fact and that there is some specific defect why the tub cannot be properly cleaned. Given the fact that millions of people have jetted tubs, I doubt she can produce this.

    I would tell her nicely to pound sand. And you should have good insurance anyway so I wouldn't worry 5 cents about her supposed claim to medical bills.

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Sateesh B.:

    One of my tenants is pestering me to replace a perfectly working jetted tub with a plain tub, she is quoting that it is tough to clean and due to that she is getting fungal infection and quoting medical reasons, Plumbers are quoting between 2 to 3K to replace the tub, I asked her to use professional cleaners to clean the tubm but she is pestering me, Am i required to replace the tub, since she is quoting medical reasons will I be liable for any medical bills. She is not willing to pay for the change, All the units on this building contains a jetted tub and none of my other tenants seems to have a problem. How do i handle this situation. Apreciate your reply. Thanks.


    I'm with JD. If she wants it replaced, she can pay for it. Otherwise, she can accept the home in the condition rented or she can negotiate an early termination with you.

    Personally, I would give that notice in writing and then stop responding to any requests. Once she has the answer, there's no need for further discussion.

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  • Malcomb StapelPro Member
    Investor · Topeka, KS · Member since 2020 · 669 posts · 488 votes
    4y

    @Sateesh B.  explain to her that all the other tenants have the tubs and it hasn't been a problem. Look up how to properly clean a jetted tub and either have someone do it or do it yourself (they can actually get nasty if that have sat for a long time). Finally you could offer to break her lease and let her move out, possibly with security deposit. This end up being a good play for you if she is a problem tenant. It could save you from dealing with more of her issues later on down the road. 

    1Reply
  • Matt M.
    Specialist · Easton, PA · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Malcomb Stapel:

    @Sateesh B.  explain to her that all the other tenants have the tubs and it hasn't been a problem. Look up how to properly clean a jetted tub and either have someone do it or do it yourself (they can actually get nasty if that have sat for a long time). Finally you could offer to break her lease and let her move out, possibly with security deposit. This end up being a good play for you if she is a problem tenant. It could save you from dealing with more of her issues later on down the road. 

    I’m going with Malcomb. Off to let her go. She will find something else to complain about. I’m eager to let go of PITA tenants, who needs the constant bs?!
    3Reply
  • Sateesh B.
    OP
    Investor · Monroe, NJ · Member since 2017 · 20 posts · 2 votes
    4y

    Thanks everyone for the reply. I did let her know that I wont be changing the tub that is in a ideal working condition.

    1Reply
  • John Teachout
    Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    I'd also offer to let her out of the lease with no penalty. Often this magically fixes the problem. If you do make this offer, put a window on it. Like 30 or 60 days. Is there just one bathroom in the house? Is there a shower in the tub?

    1Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    Simple answer NO.  She knew it was there when she rented it.  Tell her if she's not happy there, she's welcome to break the lease now with no penalty and she has 1 week to decide.  She can move out at the end of April or May.

    2Reply
  • Dock Newell Jr
    Crestview, FL · Member since 2021 · 110 posts · 76 votes
    4y

    @Sateesh B. Initially chat with a Lawyer. That will get you a solid answers. Secondly, if this is a good tenant you could possibly find something else that could be helpful like new paint or a amenity thats both a write off and increase their quality of life.

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  • Matt M.
    Specialist · Easton, PA · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Dock Newell Jr:

    @Sateesh B. Initially chat with a Lawyer. That will get you a solid answers. Secondly, if this is a good tenant you could possibly find something else that could be helpful like new paint or a amenity thats both a write off and increase their quality of life.

    Why would you waste $ talking to a lawyer about this ? 
    4Reply
  • Mike Dymski
    Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    4y

    Implement the "happy clause".  "If you are not happy with the property, we will respect it, you provide XX notice to move out, leave the place as was originally rented, and we will not charge the lease break penalty."

    Ironically, I suspect that she is not lying as there is not much incentive for her to make this one up.  I mean, no one in their right mind would trade a bubble bath for an ordinary bath!

    0Reply
  • Kar Sun
    Member since 2021 · 402 posts · 277 votes
    4y

    You can show him the bill for the remodeling and also for your time managing this project and ask him if he would like to pay. if he does make sure that he cannot claim any interest in your property. otherwise it is a No and if he will try to make too many moves then get rid of him.

    0Reply
  • Michael Deering
    Rental Property Investor · Lehigh Valley, PA · Member since 2017 · 200 posts · 191 votes
    4y

    Tell her to stop using it.  I assume there is a working shower

    1Reply
  • Corby GoadeBusiness Member
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    Don't continue this conversation with her, that's an unreasonable request. Just say "sorry, but I am not going to do that," and forget about it for the rest of your life. 

    2Reply
  • Scott Mac
    Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    4y

    Renter rents unit with Jet Tub, fails to clean it properly, (Believes) medical condition is caused by failure to clean tub properly, asks owner for standard tub in it's place due to not wanting to follow proper cleaning procedures.

    [1] In the future, the owner should add proper cleaning procedures to lease wording to give renters a heads up on this.

    [2] When showing the unit, disclose the proper cleaning procedures to potential renters (to give them a heads up).

    [3] Unless it is needed to compete for market rent in the area, consider the possibility of replacing it (HUD gives a service life for fiberglass tubs as 40 years, but that's just the tub and not the jet equipment or heaters--which may be less and require costly repairs/replacement).

    [4] There are homeowner hacks for covering up the jets on YouTube, but I'm not sure they would be high enough quality for a rental.

    1Reply
  • Gary L Wallman
    Rental Property Investor · Beavercreek OH · Member since 2018 · 422 posts · 970 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Sateesh B.:

    One of my tenants is pestering me to replace a perfectly working jetted tub with a plain tub, she is quoting that it is tough to clean and due to that she is getting fungal infection and quoting medical reasons, Plumbers are quoting between 2 to 3K to replace the tub, I asked her to use professional cleaners to clean the tubm but she is pestering me, Am i required to replace the tub, since she is quoting medical reasons will I be liable for any medical bills. She is not willing to pay for the change, All the units on this building contains a jetted tub and none of my other tenants seems to have a problem. How do i handle this situation. Apreciate your reply. Thanks.

    People in Hell want ice water too. Doubt they're getting it.

    Under no circumstance would I ever consider such a ridiculous request. Sure, let me do a bathroom remodel because you don't like my upgraded tub. Some tenants really do have brass ones.

    Pretty sure her fungal infection has spread to her brain.

    Gary
    2Reply
  • Kar Sun
    Member since 2021 · 402 posts · 277 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Gary L Wallman:
    Quote from @Sateesh B.:

    One of my tenants is pestering me to replace a perfectly working jetted tub with a plain tub, she is quoting that it is tough to clean and due to that she is getting fungal infection and quoting medical reasons, Plumbers are quoting between 2 to 3K to replace the tub, I asked her to use professional cleaners to clean the tubm but she is pestering me, Am i required to replace the tub, since she is quoting medical reasons will I be liable for any medical bills. She is not willing to pay for the change, All the units on this building contains a jetted tub and none of my other tenants seems to have a problem. How do i handle this situation. Apreciate your reply. Thanks.

    People in Hell want ice water too. Doubt they're getting it.

    Under no circumstance would I ever consider such a ridiculous request. Sure, let me do a bathroom remodel because you don't like my upgraded tub. Some tenants really do have brass ones.

    Pretty sure her fungal infection has spread to her brain.

    Gary

     This was funny but to the point.

    For my A class units I would actually consider removing tub/doing light remodel altogether for a long term tenant who would be willing to foot half the bill. I would have them sign appropriate documentation releasing any interest in a property. This can actually be a win-win in some less common cases given the current prices. 

    0Reply
  • Eric Gerakos
    Investor · Costa Mesa, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    No.

    0Reply
  • Conn G.
    Rental Property Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2019 · 120 posts · 68 votes
    4y

    Give her the quotes from your plumbers to replace to tub and tell her she will be billed fully/partially(depending how nice you are) for the work she wants done.

    0Reply
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