What would you do? Furnace issue caused high electric bill

[Ron DeMaria]

Here is the scenario. Due to a defect in the furnace it may have caused the a/c to run while furnace running causing a high electric bill. Tenant is asking to reimburse electric costs. If it proves the case, how would you handle it? My lease has a clause that I am not responsible for defective equipment and everything is as-is. I want to be reasonable. Couple of points. - tenants are excellent. Want to keep them. - I want to do the right thing within reason - I don’t want to set a precedence to bad practices. - bill was $250 when it’s typically 150. What would you do? BP - Thank you in advance

[Thomas S.]

Quality of tennat is irrelevant. Additionally you do not agree to anything out of a concern over losing a tenant.

If it were me in this situation where I believe there is a defect I would pay the tennat the $100 difference in heating cost if I am certain the additional costs is accurate.