Grosse Pointe, MI · Member since 2016 · 6 posts · 2 votes
Hi all, I'm a newer landlord and have had tenants in place in our rental since March 1. They have paid like clockwork so far (via Cozy). They reached out with a a laundry list of concerns, most of which are minor and we will address (kitchen cabinet cabinet door is wonky, missing molding/gap at the bottom of one closet, etc). However the wife reports that she is "allergic" to the bathtub and both her and their youngest daughter's skin breaks out when they take a bath.
I'd like to have the tub professionally reglazed to address her concerns (and also change the 80's almond color to white), but there would be downtime where they wouldn't be able to use the tub for a day or so. I mentioned that to see if they were open to it, and her response was "that's a harsh chemical". I'm not sure how to follow up. Whether real or imagined, she thinks there's a chemical in our tub now that their skin is reacting to, and replacing the bathtub is not an option.
They are not allergic to the tub. If it has been scrubbed down there is no way any chemicals can be on it that they did not put there, it simply is not possible. What they are allergic to is one of the soaps or shampoos they are using.
Tell them you will let them out of the lease early if they desire. You will be better off finding less high need tenants.
Grosse Pointe, MI · Member since 2016 · 6 posts · 2 votes
9y
Thanks we will check into having it tested. It is city water though (nowhere near Flint) and no fracking nearby.
Also please disregard the poor grammar in my thread title. I really should look things over before posting when typing with my thumbs. :)
They are not allergic to the tub. If it has been scrubbed down there is no way any chemicals can be on it that they did not put there, it simply is not possible. What they are allergic to is one of the soaps or shampoos they are using.
Tell them you will let them out of the lease early if they desire. You will be better off finding less high need tenants.
Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9y
@Julie Felts Since they pay on time, and assuming don't make trouble otherwise, treat the problem delicately. Ask her what she thinks is causing this, and then work into what she thinks the solution should be. Essentially you'll be saying "what do you want me to do about it" but much softer.
I can understand the concern from someone who is worried about these types of things about chemicals and reglazing. But what exactly does she want you to do?
Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9y
@Julie Felts I just caught that they've paid on time since March 1. That's negligible. These people have been there for all of a month and are off the deep end about an allergy to a bathtub. I'd offer to let them out of the lease if they vacate by month's end and find a different tenant. Offering to reglaze the tub was more than generous.
Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
They probably don't like the color and just want you to put in a whole new tub. Nobody is "allergic" to a bathtub. What's next? Are they going to be "allergic" to the bathroom light if it doesn't match their tastes?
Be prudent in trying to address their concerns. Document all correspondence even phone conversations and text messages. Always show you are doing all you can incase it becomes a legal matter. As always seek a professional attorney.
Specialist · Toronto, Ontario · Member since 2016 · 564 posts · 425 votes
9y
I agree with what's been said. They bring you a laundry list of items after a month in the house? Sounds like high maintenance.
Explain that you can an enamel coated tub, likely every other rental also has an enamel coated tub, and they can watch what products they are using, chose to shower instead, or if those options don't work for them, you can let them out of their lease.
I would not have offered to reglaze a tub that was in good condition.
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
It really could just be they are more sensitive to the water. If someone has sensitive skin harder water can result in itchy skin. It could be the soap or how well their soap dissolves in the water in the house that results in itchiness. I would suggest this to them and say the water may be different then you are used to or your soaps may be the issue. Do not reglaze the tub they will attribute any problem to this activity. You could test the water or if you have a water test already done share that. If the water is hard and you have no softener inform her of that and I would offer them out of the lease as they won't ever be comfortable. They sound a little demanding anyway.