Discounted Lease for Plumbing issue?

Question

Hey Guys,

We have a plumbing issue in one side of a Duplex that we are currently trying to get a tenant in to.  The volume of water coming into the unit is not sufficient and when you run multiple fixtures the pressure drops off significantly.  We are still trying to pin point the core issue and plan to solve the problem, but it probrably will not be resolved before we get a tenant in.

The situation is live-able, but certainly not ideal.  So my question is...

Would it be a good idea to sign a lease addendum with a tenant to say that the lease is discounted by lets say $50 a month until the issue is fixed?  I see it as a good way to let the tenant know that we are serious about the problem, and let them get a discount for dealing with the issue.

Thank you for any and all feedback!

John Underwood · Answer

That sounds reasonable but  a good plumber should be able to fix this.

Have you tried putting a gauge on the water and checking the pressure? You can get one at HD or Lowes for cheap. Is there a pressure regulator for each duplex? If so can it be adjusted? A few turn with a wrench should do it. If it can't be adjusted it should be replaced. Worst case may be the main water line to the street. If old galvanized pipe it may be corroded. You can rent a ditch witch and quickly make a trench to drop in a new PEX waterline.

I would focus on getting this fixed before someone moves in. So much easier to deal with while house is empty.

Sam Marriott · Answer

Definitely not trying to pro long the repair.  I have had two plumbers out so far and we are trying to find the root cause.  We definitely may be digging that ditch, but just trying to figure out the issue first.

Thank you for your responses to my question.

Ryan Murdock · Answer

@Sam Marriott Great tenants are not going to want to deal with this and since you're going to need to fix it anyways why not just do it now and be done with it? Prolonging the repair and cutting deals is only going to cost you more $$ and cause more stress over the long run.