Who should pay for the new disposal?

[Henley H.]

We just replaced a garbage disposal in a rental property after the current tenant called to tell us it was making a grinding sound.  When the plumber came to take a look he found a screw and nail lodged in the disposal.  The tenant has been in the house for just over three months and has used small screws and nails all over to secure different cords, including for appliances in the kitchen, so we feel confident the nail and screw came from him and not from an earlier tenant, only somehow getting lodged now.  

The disposal was 13 years old. We had never had an issue with it previously, but I have read that an average lifespan for them is 8-15 years.

Should we cover the expense of the disposal, ask the tenant to cover the expense, or split the amount given the age of the disposal?

Thanks very much!

[Michael Seeker]

@Henley H. - I would try to set the tone early that you're firm, but fair.  The best way to do this would be to require the tenant to pay half the cost.  You can tell them you'd normally require them to pay the full amount, but you are willing to cover half of the cost since the old disposal was several years old.

Whatever you decide to do, I'd make sure the tenant does not get the impression they can get a free ride and/or walk all over you!