Install gas line and new gas stove???

Question

Hi all,

We just renovated a home in a nice neighborhood.  We got a renter for $1,300 a month.  She asked about a gas stove.  We just got a gas line and a new furnace.  Should we put in a gas line for her and buy a gas stove?  We have an electric one there( brand new ) but I could put the new stove into another rental we own.  We had 3 people ask about a gas stove while showing the house.  I'm thinking it may pay off in the long run and attract the kind of renters we want.  It would cost $300-400 dollars to put the gas line in plus the new gas stove.

Thanks for your input.

Sally

Justin Escajeda · Answer

I say no, you have a NEW working electric service for the stove.  If they want a gas stove they can go somewhere else, or buy their own home and put a gas line in for a stove.  Never let a tenant dictate what you provide, if you start off your relationship with them by being very hospitable and providing extra things THEY desire, I believe this sets you up for them to subconsciously have a feeling of superiority over you.  You give a tenant an inch, they take a mile, I don't care what economic class their in.

Plain and simple, this is what you are providing, no more no less.  The type of stove they can use is hardly a deal breaker in my opinion.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

We added a gas line/range on a house we purchased and were glad we did. In our area, a gas range is desirable and will attract more applicants and better quality tenants. Also, sets your rental apart from the competition, which can result in a longer tenancy. If you can afford it, I don't see a downside.

Account Closed · Answer

It sounds like this will cost you roughly $1,000.  So, I would not do this for free.  That is a major thing for a tenant to ask you to do.  If you do this for free, what's next?  In my experience a tenant with the cojones to ask for a $1,000 renovation, won't stop there.

So, what I would do, is sit down with the tenant and explain that doing this will cost you $1,000.  And then give them some options, like @Steve Babiak (gack I hate it when the hashtag thing won't work LOL) said.

Like well, this will cost $1,000, so I'll need you to make it worth my while to do and to help cover the cost.  I could raise your rent by $83/month to pay for it over a year's time.  Or, you could sign a new 2 year contract for only $35 more per month (or whatever you can think of).  But, basically, you need to get them to see that it won't be free and they will have to give something to get something.  In my opinion.

That way, when they want you to install the jacuzzi, they'll think about what they're willing to pay or do to get it :-)

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I suppose gas could be more dangerous if left on (flames?) But why would you not want a tenant to cook? I think it indicates a more stable person than one who eats out all the time..... ?

Chris Seveney · Answer

How old is the existing electric stove? If it is new then I would not replace it but if it over 5 years old I would consider selling the electric stove and putting in the gas. BTW - go dual fuel (gas cooktop electric oven). They are more expensive but a lot better. AGain this is not you using it, and many will probably disagree, but I like to provide my renters nice things when I can.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Gas stoves are usually favored by people that like to cook. So you will attract that segment. And that indicates some stability/family/home  I guess. But I wouldn't eat the cost yourself, ask them if they want it bad enough to pay for it....

Aaron Ly · Answer

I am in a similar situation but i do already have a gas line in place. I am wondering if i should go gas stove or an electrical cooktop. Which one is safer? I kind of not wanting a tenant to cook so much or provide an oven. What are your thoughts?

Michael R. · Answer

You had 3 people ask and this seems like the 4th. What is in your market? Will this give you an advantage? Sounds like it won't hurt.

One way we do upgrades is that, if the tenant wants them, we try to work the cost of labor for the upgrade into their lease through a mutual agreement. The cost of the stove I would say you would eat because you have a use for your electric, but have them pay for the line install.

One example of this was when I visited a long distance tenant on a multi year lease to inspect the house and make sure they were happy and that the house was in decent shape. I found that they had run a coax cable across the stairs to provide cable into an unwired room. I immediately removed it and told them they could not do this, but that I would set up my electrician to come out to wire the room if they paid for it.

They agreed and they are happy and I am happy too.

The cost in your case are a bit more significant, but I would still try and make them happy by having it installed where they pay for the gas line and you pay for the stove.

I hope that helps.

Sally O. · Answer

Thanks you everyone for the advice.  = )

Install gas line and new gas stove???

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