What are your sfr tenants responsible for?

Question

Jim S. · Answer

With the apartments that I provide a washer/dryer I have a clause the says either it may take several weeks for me to repair/replace them or it says if they break down I may or may not repair/replace them. Frig and stove I consider more a nessecity.

Ned J. · Answer

Based on your lease.... but as stated, if the landlord provided them on move in, the landlord is responsible for repairs or replacements

Michael Guzik · Answer

@DJ Cummins That's a great question man! In all honesty man you need to have a serving mindset and put yourself in the tenants shoes. I would hope that if I was paying for an apartment that came with that stuff the landlord would pay for repairs. However if they brought them into your units yes it can and should be their responsibility. With the duplex's that I helped manage we just provided the outlets and they were responsible for finding washer and driers that worked for them. We did this because washer and drier problems were rampant and it wasn't for normal wear and tear but destructive and abusive use from the tenants. Even with them getting their own washer and drier the tenants still want us to fix them. It just comes with the territory and I truly believe all these problems can be avoided with good tenant screening and reading out the entire lease to the tenant during the lease signing. I know everything is situational and depends but if you are honest, communicate clearly and do what's right it will usually work out. Good luck man!

Blair Poelman · Answer

Maintenance and repairs are always spelled out in the lease (well, they should always be spelled out, but sometimes it's not, and I view that as a mistake).  Often times the local customary terms dictate what the a lease needs to be in order to be marketable - for example, if the market is full of rentals where the landlord provides appliances, and pays for maintenance, then that's what the market does, and if you want to rent your place that is what you will have to do.

Personally, I would prefer not to provide appliances, but sometimes you have no choice.

Each situation is unique, but in general, if a landlord provides an appliance or fixture, that landlord is responsible for making sure it works and is maintained.

John Underwood · Answer

I supply appliances  and I pay for any repairs to them.

If the tenant wanted to bring their own appliances then they would pay for their repairs. Not typical.

Ray Harrell · Answer

Does your lease indicate that the appliances are included? If so, then included means in working order, and it is your responsibility to maintain them. I purchased a building where the tenants had built in microwaves, stove, fridge, dishwasher and in-unit washer and dryer. Upon the new lease I informed the tenant that going forward only the fridge and stove are to be considered "included", and if any appliance falls into disrepair they are responsible for it.

Sam B. · Answer

There is no rule.

That said if you're going to include appliances, it only makes sense that you should be responsible for maintaining them. I would expect as much as a tenant.

What are your sfr tenants responsible for?

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