Who pays for appliance repair/replacement?

Question

My property manager says there was a power surge in the unit which broke the control board for the stove and microwave (above the stove). He recommends replacing because a repair would cost similar, according to the appliance person he had out to look at it. He's quoting $300 for microwave and $600 for stove. This doesn't seem reasonable to me, especially the microwave cost. Is it even my responsibility to replace these? They were working fine when the tenant moved in.

Kyle J. · Answer

If they were included with the property, and there’s nothing in the lease excluding these appliances and specifically stating you won’t cover them, sounds like it’s your responsibility. You can call around though and get quotes to try to find better prices.

Jill F. · Answer

A Power surge is not the tenant's fault- so you should replace appliances. BUT those appliance prices are high. I would skip replacing the range hood microwave and just buy a ductless recirculating hood, you can get them on ebay for $40-$60. As to the price on the stove, you ought to be able to get a scratch and dent at a big box store for less than $400 or new at $450 on sale and delivered from big box. The last stainless gas stove I got was $325 on a scratch and dent with a small dent in the side.

Jim S. · Answer

Unless you can prove the tenant broke them or it's in your lease for the tenant to fix them...they are yours. If you gave someone a ride in your car and it broke down would you charge them???