Tenant Complaints About Cold Air Coming Into The Apartment

Tenant Complaints About Cold Air Coming Into The Apartment

Member since 2024 · 34 posts · 12 votes
Hi,My tenant wrote on the rental checklist that cold air is coming through under the kitchen counter, around the heater, and into the mechanical room. I don't know that it should have gone on the rental checklist, but since they mention it, it seems like something I need to address. The tenant is paying their own heat. My plan is to go and inspect the cold air and possibly seal it with grout or fire-safe foam. These same tenants have made multiple other complaints and submitted this rental checklist late.thanks,
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G. Brian DavisPro Member
Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 866 votes
8mo

You’re right that this isn’t really a checklist item, but once a tenant reports air infiltration, it becomes a habitability and efficiency issue especially in winter. Inspecting and sealing with fire rated foam or appropriate sealant around penetrations is a reasonable and professional response, and it protects both the tenant’s comfort and your building.

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  • G. Brian DavisPro Member
    Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 866 votes
    8mo

    You’re right that this isn’t really a checklist item, but once a tenant reports air infiltration, it becomes a habitability and efficiency issue especially in winter. Inspecting and sealing with fire rated foam or appropriate sealant around penetrations is a reasonable and professional response, and it protects both the tenant’s comfort and your building.

  • Member since 2024 · 34 posts · 12 votes
    8mo

    Update: Rent was due today and was only partially paid. The tenant deducted $150, stating it was from the move in security deposit, which I am still waiting to receive from the management company and have been in touch with the tenant that I am following up.

    My partner feels that I should not push the matter and should let it go, as there is always a chance the tenant may find other reasons to withhold rent in the future which is a possibility. thankfully rent was not withheld for the cold air coming in this month. However, I am concerned that not addressing this now may set a precedent and encourage the tenant to continue making unilateral deductions.

    what is your thought?

    also any learning opportunities or suggestions to be better at property management? I was going to obtain realty license because I own a few properties but does a realty license help me be better at managing my own properties? thank you in advance.

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    8mo

    Talk to the management company and find out-but why is rent due on the 27th of the month and not the 1st?

    If you have a property manager, they keep the deposit-not you. They will return it (minus any repairs) when the tenant moves out.

    As for the cold air, I still think you should go and find out what it is about. 

  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo

    Of course you should address it. The tenant is likely paying $20+k to you per year. A few hundred dollars to make them happy should be a no brainer...

  • David PeschioBusiness Member
    Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
    8mo

    Address cold air but more importantly are they withholding rent or putting it with the courts?  Tenants are not allowed to just withhold rent - there is a correct process for doing so.

  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    8mo

    Cold Air: Recommend evaluating the cold air issue and video what you find - even get the tenant on the video as they may state whether it's a big deal or not. 
    - Having their view on video may protect you if they start witholding rent in the future due to this issue.
    - If there is cold air coming in, make sure it's not meant to feed the mechanicals and if not, try to address it.

    Late Rental Checklist: please elaborate. What date were they legally required to submit it and what date did they deliver it to you?
    - This is important because if they did deliver it late, they technically accepted the property as-is with no damages. So, they are now responsible for any & all damages moving forward. Of course, a judge may decide differently if it goes to court:(

    $150 Deduction: not understanding, "it was from move in SD"? Also, why was a PMC involved if you self-manage? Did you hire them to do Tenant Placement only?
    - The amount is not a big deal, but the reason MAY be. You do not want tenants doing rent deductions whenever they think justified without your written approval.

    Real Estate License: having one will NOT help you better manage your properties.
    The licensing classes barely cover leasing in our experience, but you may find value in the overall real estate knowledge covered in the classes.

  • Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8mo

    It sounds like your tenants are raising a legitimate maintenance issue, even if it ended up on the rental checklist. Cold air coming in around heaters, counters, or mechanical areas can indicate gaps in insulation or sealing that affect comfort and energy efficiency, so it’s worth inspecting. Doing a quick fix by sealing it with fire-safe foam or grout is a good start. Make sure to document everything with before and after photos. Let the tenant know you’ve addressed the issue and what was done (clear communication helps set expectations and shows you’re responding responsibly). Finally, keep an eye on the area over time to make sure the fix holds and no further action is needed.

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