My tenant is complaining that their heater is not warm enough..

General Landlording & Rental Properties
7yFollow

My tenant is complaining that their heater is not warm enough..

Jina Lee
Member since 2018 · 3 posts · 2 votes

I have a multi-unit property in Los Angeles with brand-new central AC/heater. 

One of the tenants is complaining that the heater is not warm enough... They say heater was working, but they insist that it is not warm enough for their new-born baby. So I said I could buy some space heater and let them use, but they say they don't want to pay the extra electricity bill and they don't want space heaters installed because they don't have enough spaces to keep them. The central heater installed is also electric, so either way, they'll have to pay more electricity bill because they pay their own electricity bills.

I have more units in the property with exactly same heating system, but other tenants have no complaints.

I am not sure what the minimum temperature requirement in Los Angleles, but if the unit can be heated higher than 70°F with central heater, do I need to fix the heater?

1Reply
36 views

Most Popular Reply

Kenneth GarrettPro Member
Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y

@Jina Lee

I can’t speak for LA but the international code requires a minimum of 68 degrees.  In certain warmer climate states it is 65 degrees.  If you meet the minimum requirement you are in compliance.

I have spent my career as a building inspector and you certainly need to meet the minimum.  I would inspect there unit and meet with them to determine the temperature.  There is a very specific requirement in how to measure the temperature in a room, but at least look at the thermostat.

Good Luck.

2Reply
See this reply in the discussion

9 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Kenneth GarrettPro Member
    Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    @Jina Lee

    I can’t speak for LA but the international code requires a minimum of 68 degrees.  In certain warmer climate states it is 65 degrees.  If you meet the minimum requirement you are in compliance.

    I have spent my career as a building inspector and you certainly need to meet the minimum.  I would inspect there unit and meet with them to determine the temperature.  There is a very specific requirement in how to measure the temperature in a room, but at least look at the thermostat.

    Good Luck.

    2Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    Babies should be dressed the same as adults and 70 degrees is plenty warm enough. They are always welcome to put a blanket or some extra clothes on.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Lee RipmaPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Prairie Village, KS · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y

    @Jina Lee

    If you are in the City of LA check with HCIDLA

    https://hcidla.lacity.org/Owning-Managing-Rental-H...

    Make sure you are meeting minimum standards. I know you have to provide a heater but I doubt that the heater has to go up to 80 degrees. As long as you are in compliance with the minimum then you're fine. If they have a problem with it then they can put the baby in a sweater. It's LA so it's not like it ever gets below 60 here anyway. 

    Podcast Guest on Show #373
    0Reply
  • William W.
    Rental Property Investor · south Alabama · Member since 2018 · 121 posts · 88 votes
    7y

    Is the room temp not warm enough, or are they feeling the air coming from the vents? Some people are not used to a heat pump, and expect it to put out hot air like a furnace, but that’s not how they function.

    1Reply
  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    7y

    Visit the property and confirm the temperature. Some people like it hotter than normal but you are fine if the temp in the unit can heat to 70 or higher. If she doesn't like it let her out of her lease. NO point in keeping any tenant that is gong to be a complainer. Life is too short.

    Do not offer any tenant space heaters and never allow a tenant to use space heaters. They are a fire hazard.

    1Reply
  • Sam Shueh
    Real Estate Agent · Cupertino, CA · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    Provide a inspection from the HVAC guy and listened to what he has to say.  If you think you are in compliance then the tenants need to solve their own problem.

    1Reply
  • Matthew Paul
    Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @William W.:

    Is the room temp not warm enough, or are they feeling the air coming from the vents? Some people are not used to a heat pump, and expect it to put out hot air like a furnace, but that’s not how they function.

    Heat pumps never feel "warm" .  Go over and read the thermostat and take another thermostat with you to check 

    0Reply
  • Mary M.
    Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    I would have the hvac system inspected and have the repair guy go over the controls. This is usually where my tenants have issues is using the remotes as they are noT intuitive. 

    Also if this is a units that has multiple controls around the house be sure they are setting them all correctly. 

    Once you determine that A) unit works correctly and B) tenant understands the controls then they are on their own after that. . 

    0Reply
  • Max T.
    Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    happy clause

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free