Do the landlord has to fix tenant's oven?

Question

Happy Holidays to all,

I am a new landlord. My Sec. 8 tenant called and stated that her oven is not working and since it came with the property so landlord has to fix it. Do I have to fix the stove/oven?

Thanks.

Kay

Kay Khan · Answer

Wow, I think I came to the right place.

I am an accidental landlord. Since someone threw me in the water, I'll enjoy swimming. My first post with amazing lightning fast response.

Thanks BP community.

Xing Zhu · Answer

I am responsible for appliances and TV's as I provide them.

The management company fix many small things without charging me though. For example, if the oven coil needs to be replaced, they will replace it for me, charging only for the coil, not for the labor.

In your case, I suggest you take care of it as soon as you can.

Kyle J. · Answer

Yes, you should fix the stove.  The tenant rented the unit with the expectation of it having a working stove, so you should maintain it in that condition.  Plus, given that it's a Section 8 rental, Section 8 would likely make you fix it anyway.  Normally, this is just the cost of doing business.  However, if you end up determining that the stove is not working as a result of some sort of negligence or damage caused by the tenant, then you could try and bill them for the repair cost.  Good luck getting that from a Section 8 tenant though.

Roy N. · Answer

If the range was part of the chattel rented with the apartment, then yes, the landlord is responsible to have it fixed.

Jon Holdman · Answer

Yes.  Fix it or replace it.