First Time Landlord - Tenant Requests

[Andrew Miller]

Hello all,

I just purchased and renting out my first single family home at the beginning of the month. The new tenants are a family and I've gotten several texts about different items in the unit within the first two days. I'm looking for advice on how to manage these requests and keep a tenant happy but also avoid a "give a mouse a cookie" scenario. It's in a relatively low cost of living area, I purchased the home for just under $100k in the Midwest. 

Requests:
Bottom have of gutter  downspouts are missing and they would like them replaced
Black substance in the fridge that does not come off with their scrubbing
broken shelf in the fridge
outlet missing a faceplate - already replaced.

I don't mind making the gutter repairs but I'm not sure how to handle the fridge issues. 

Thank you for the advice!

[Adam Martin]

The downspouts point away from your house for a reason and that is to try to point water away from the foundation.  This is important and something you should fix as a maintenance item that could become much more expensive if not addressed.  If the smudge is just a smudge I’d remind them that they rented as is same for the shelf unless it is too bad.