Comp tenant for washer dryer outage?

Question

Is it a good idea to comp a tenant a small rental discount for minor inconveniences, or does it set a bad precedence?

I rent out a garden apartment in my house that shares the laundry room with us. We upgraded our washer and dryer in order to move the old washer and dryer to a recently upgraded rental. The problem is that the washer came damaged so a new one had to be back ordered from Samsung (One week delay). The dryer was hooked up and it seemed to run fine. A week later a new washer came, we did a load of wash, and the dryer shut down after five minutes. It's likely a bad heat sensor causing it to shut down and not power back on for 30 minutes. Since it was over 48 hours since the dyer was delivered, the seller considered it a warranty issue, and not a purchase issue, so now we have to wait for a warranty repair from Samsung.

It seems likely it will end up being about two weeks without a washer and dryer. The "do no evil" landlord part of me says to comp the tenant $25 bucks for the inconvenience just as a gesture of goodwill, not because I'm required too. However, I'm wondering if this sets a bad precedent, and could cause the tenant to later expect a discount anytime something goes wrong.

It's already under market rate ($1000/month) in an A neighborhood, and includes all utilities and internet.

Account Closed · Answer

If you feel bad about it, I'd comp the tenant's laundromat's costs. You never regret being a nice person.

Jassem A. · Answer

I definitely wouldn't share my washer and dryer with a tenant.  Laundromats exist for a reason.  Worst case I might set up two washer and dryers next to each other and let them use the cheaper set. Who knows what kinds of crap and loose change they are throwing in your brand new set.

Brian Garlington · Answer

@Derek Daun

If the tenant doesn't bring up compensation then you don't need to.

By the way is it in your lease that they will have regular access to the washer/dryer? If so, AND if they bring it up then I would tell them you as the homeowner were inconvenienced as well so it's not a big deal.....and don't even bother having the discussion.

If you do "cave to them" on this then you are setting a bad precedent my friend.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Derek Daun there is no way you should accept that treatment from your appliance dealer. Call the manager and demand a new dryer be delivered. The only reason you were unable to use the dryer for a week is because the washer was damaged. They gave you two defective appliances. I would not accept repair on a new appliance. Demand immediate replacement. Go up every level of management necessary. Tell them you will report them to California consumer protection. Tell them you will call a local news station. Tell them you will share your story with every local real estate group. Tell them you will call Samsung corporate and report them. Let them know that if they choose to not remedy this, it will cost them business and reputation.

Is the seller doing the warranty work? Warranty work is a huge cash-cow for appliance dealers. My guess is their unwillingness to replace has more to do with padding their pockets than any actual policy. They can send the defective dryer back to Samsung for credit a day, a week or month after it was delivered to you. It is their choice not to.

As far as giving your tenant $25... Did the appliance dealer give you $25?

Wes Blackwell · Answer

If you give a mouse a cookie, he will soon ask for a glass of milk.

Then he'll request a straw to drink the milk, and a mirror to help avoid a milk mustache.

Then he'll ask for a for a pair of scissors to trim his mustache in the mirror, and a broom to sweep up his mustache trimmings.

Next he'll want to take a nap, have a story read to him, draw a picture, and then hang the picture on the refrigerator.

But looking at the refrigerator makes him thirsty, so the mouse asks for a glass of milk...

The circle is complete when he wants a cookie to go with it.

Best children's book ever. Paying this small amount will set a bad precedent and your tenant may start to expect being comped every single time something inconveniences them. Don't do it.

Jeff B. · Answer

I provide a one car garage gratis and it's not mentioned in my lease, so issues with it is of no consequence to me.

Laundry is a benefit, complementary service - - I doubt you even mention it in the Lease.

If it's not in the lease, then you are not obligated in any way.

I would think most of us do similarly for laundry, even though it may cost a buck or two per wash+dry load.  If it fails, they just go to the laundromat

Marcia Maynard · Answer

So you're only without the dryer, since the second washer arrived and is functioning. Sounds to me like your household and theirs will be without a dryer for two weeks. Unplanned life inconveniences happen. Buy a drying rack and a clothesline. Invite the tenant to use the washer and the drying rack/line. The tenant has choices: wash their clothes and air dry them, let their laundry pile up for two weeks, take their laundry to the home of family/friends, or take their laundry to a laundromat. Gee whiz, you're in the same boat... or in this case laundry tub.

Sebastian Taylor · Answer

No unless they ask... They most likely will not. Even if they ask, I would not do it, give them ETA of the new unit and say there is nothing else can be done. What's the worst that could happen? Aren't you yourself in the same boat?

Penny Clark · Answer

If you do comp them for it which is a nice but unnecessary gesture, then at least plan to bump up rent to market rate when lease expires. There's no reason in this market in Sacramento your rent should be reduced - especially when utilities are included!

Comp tenant for washer dryer outage?

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