Strange request by person renting out my home

Member since 2011 · 4 posts · 0 votes

I'm currently paying mortgage on a home and have decided to rent it out , the renters have been there are year and it is now time to resign the contract. The renters stated specific conditions for the renewal , one of the requests in particular was rather strange. They were asking for the carpets in the home to be cleaned and the fees to be paid by us ... is this a normal request and is it something that I should pay for? How do I deal with this?

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J ScottPro Member

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Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes

15y

If you want to keep them as tenants, why not do this for them (especially since it likely won't cost more than $200-300)? Not only will it make them happy, but it will likely also lengthen the useful life of your carpets, which is good for you too!

Think of it this way -- if they were to move out, you'd lose a lot more than the cost of carpet cleaning to have to get it ready for another tenant (plus lost rent).

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Tom S.
Real Estate Investor · Burlington, VT · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y
Hi Greg,

For me, carpet cleaning in the property when there's no turnover is their responsibility. Maybe they're looking for something in return for signing another lease? I do sometimes offer some small token: maybe replacement of an old lighting fixture or faucet that makes them happy and still benefits the property.

- Tom
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Jeff B.
Rental Property Investor · Taylor Mill, KY · Member since 2011 · 105 posts · 24 votes
15y
If they have been good, solid tenants, I'd probably do it. If they've been a pain, I might think twice...
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Chris R.
Member since 2009 · 38 posts · 3 votes
15y
I'm new to being a landlord, but if they moved in and the carpets did not need cleaning and now they do I'd definitely say no. I like Tom's idea of giving them an upgrade though.
1 Reply
Pat Bahn
Real Estate Investor · Member since 2011 · 29 posts · 40 votes
15y
maybe split the difference, say "I will pay half or
the first $300, and you pay the rest".

Figure if they moved out, you would pay that kind
of fee, and likely lose 2 months rent.

so, a little good will buys a lot less property damage.
1 Reply
J ScottPro Member
Moderator
Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
15y
If you want to keep them as tenants, why not do this for them (especially since it likely won't cost more than $200-300)? Not only will it make them happy, but it will likely also lengthen the useful life of your carpets, which is good for you too!

Think of it this way -- if they were to move out, you'd lose a lot more than the cost of carpet cleaning to have to get it ready for another tenant (plus lost rent).
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Kyle Meyers
Residential Landlord · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2010 · 592 posts · 138 votes
15y
I don't know that I would like my tenants bringing me a list of demands for them to sign the lease. Without knowing what else they asked for I don't know what all I would do. If they are good tenants and I want to keep them and the rest of their list is legitimate repairs/upgrades that should be done to the property, I would probably get the carpets cleaned.
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Don KonipolBusiness Member
Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
15y
If cleaning the carpets is the most expensive item they are asking for, you are in good shape. Check on the general condition of the house and how they have cared for it. If they have taken good care of your property, like to live tidy and clean and so want refreshed carpet, you have chosen a tenant wisely. I'm more concerned when a tenant doesn't mind living in filth, then I know the repair, cleaning and maintenance after they leave will be sky high!
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Steve Babiak
Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
15y
This year it's carpet cleaning, next year it will be new kitchen appliances ... because the oven got filthy.

If carpets were in a clean condition when they moved in, it is the tenant's responsibility to keep them in the same move-in condition until they move-out. And if they were clean at move-in one year ago, and now they are filthy, then you have some tenants who will keep making things filthy. There are some requests (or demands) that are reasonable ("Could you install a fluorescent fixture with a pull chain above the basement laundry?" - Sure!), because others will appreciate that nicety.

But I don't think it is wise to take on the tenant's responsibility in mid-lease. You will get to do that at the end of all leases, after they move out - and you should have their security deposit at your disposal to fund those tenant responsibilities.
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Greg Tudor
OP
Member since 2011 · 4 posts · 0 votes
15y
Some excellent responses here , thanks. The house is kept immaculate , but they're clumsy at times and broke the garage door - by forcilby moving it and causing the entire thing to become unhinged . I think I'll visit the house since it's time to do that anyways and then decide on whether to give them the free carpet cleaning.
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Bienes Raices
Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
15y
It seems to me it would depend on your rental market -- if it's not easy to find new, qualified tenants, then it may be worth it.

On the other hand, it seems a bit strange that people would move out just because the carpets weren't cleaned. A move could easily cost more than just paying for the carpet cleaning themselves, unless the cost is offset by going to a cheaper rental. But personally I would never go through the hassle of moving because of a carpet.
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Joel OwensBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
15y
Why not simply figure out what the cleaning would cost and spread that out with a rent increase over the term of the lease??

If it's 300 to clean the carpets then go up 200 in rent over 12 months and eat 100.

I guess if it's a really good tenant and they will stay long term they are like gold.It's going to be one of those landlord decisions that is up to you.

It's like when I take martial arts.I am shown many different ways to do things.I can choose to do some of them,none of them,or make a decision all my own.
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J ScottPro Member
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Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
15y
Originally posted by Kyle Meyers:
I don't know that I would like my tenants bringing me a list of demands for them to sign the lease.

Buyers have as much right to negotiate as sellers, especially if they are good buyers (tenants) and especially if they realize they have some leverage (turnover is expensive for a landlord!).

You'd do the same if it were you, wouldn't you? :D
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Keith Canyon
Real Estate Investor · Woolwine, VA · Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 3 votes
15y
toss my vote in for the good will gesture. like others have said, you have to weigh the pros and cons of it. spell it out in the contract that you've elected to pay for the cleaning this time around, and that the next cleaning will be the responsibility ($$) of the current tenants. cover yourself in the contract by stating that everything else in the house/property is in acceptable and operating condition, tenants sign in agreement, and you're good to go.

much success,

sage
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George P.
Real Estate Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 268 votes
15y
I'd call it a strange request. But if the tenants are excellent, I'd do it. Don't forget to ask for something in return to make it a win-win. Like 3-5% rent increase.
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Corey Demuth
Real Estate Agent · Tampa, FL · Member since 2009 · 456 posts · 123 votes
15y
My concern would be that they are going to start asking for more things and also that what they're asking for doesn't improve the value of the property. Why do the carpets need to be professionally cleaned already? Are they not vacuuming and cleaning up spills as they occur?

*edit: fixed a hilarious spelling mistake, damn droid!*
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Carlos Flores
Commercial Real Estate Lender / Syndicator · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 888 posts · 309 votes
15y
Originally posted by greg tudor:
Some excellent responses here , thanks. The house is kept immaculate , but they're clumsy at times and broke the garage door - by forcilby moving it and causing the entire thing to become unhinged . I think I'll visit the house since it's time to do that anyways and then decide on whether to give them the free carpet cleaning.

Just curious...Who paid to fix the garage door they broke, you or the tenant?

Also, are you increasing rent this renewal? 300/12=25 mo. Could be a wash anyway and they'd be happy.
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Chris Colvard
Wholesaler · Dallas, TX · Member since 2009 · 308 posts · 92 votes
15y
I think it is a good idea to give this concession if they sign another 1 year lease. Even better if you can get a rent increase.

Why does your lease not automatically roll in to month to month or additional term?

If that were the case there would be no negotiation going on.
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James Endress
Real Estate Broker · NY · Member since 2011 · 12 posts · 1 vote
15y
if they were god tenants i'd do it and split the cost with them. i'd inspect the carpets to make sure the stains are not more then just normal ware and tear.
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Christopher Keivit
Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2011 · 54 posts · 14 votes
15y
In my "real world" job, we manage distressed properties. For good tenants, we will actually give them a list of options to choose from when it comes time to renew - carpet cleaning throughout, new paint in one or two rooms, new blinds, etc. That is easier to do when you have a 40 or more unit property. But, if the tenants are good, why not? Just indicate that this is a one time deal when they sign the renewal!
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Ann Bellamy
Lender · Tyngsboro, MA · Member since 2009 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
15y
Wait a minute - tenants are responsible for keeping the unit clean. At least in my world and my lease. They have to return the apartment in the same condition as it was when the rented it, and that includes clean carpets and ovens. You are saying that the landlord should pay for them NOT cleaning their own carpet? Seriously?

Yes, I agree to giving a "gift" for renewing. And there is nothing wrong with giving them a choice of gifts, and if their choice is to clean the carpets, and the "choice of gifts" was offered ahead of time and is part of your normal program, and they choose carpet cleaning, fine. but to have them make it a condition of renewing - well, I think that sets a bad precedent. I think I'd inspect the unit before making that decision.

What happens when they punch a hole through the wall and want you to fix it as a condition of renewing? Probably these immaculate tenants wouldn't do that, but did you pay for the door they broke, or did they?

I had a tenant who wanted new windows. That year I put on a new truss and roof system with new insulation, and told him he'd have to wait for new windows. He promptly broke two of them so I'd have to replace them. I repaired them and invoiced him for it. He moved out without telling me (he was not a good tenant so I was happy to see him go, and so were the other residents) so I applied his security deposit to the window repair.

On the other hand, if they are really good tenants, I'd find a way to compromise and negotiate, having said all of the above.
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Jeffrey H.
Investor · Northborough, MA · Member since 2011 · 9 posts · 3 votes
15y
Suprised no one has brought this up.... why is there carpet in a rental? I hate that stuff!

My tenants don't ask for these things because I set the tone from day one, but in this situation I would probably do it. As others have mentioned it depends on the tenant and how they have behaved.
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Rob Gillespie
Specialist · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 852 votes
15y
Well Greg, it is all about the deal. If you are makin money and they do not cause you any issues, you may consider it. Depending on the size of the house, it should not be more than a few hundred bucks.

Do not get cought up on the principal, look at the big pic and see if it will benifit you for them to sign again. :mrgreen:
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Xiarrah Mer
Miami Beach, FL · Member since 2011 · 1 post · 0 votes
14y
i agree with Tom.
maybe it is not anymore my responsibility i think it is theirs. If you spend money to give what they want they maybe ask for more.
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Andy Collins
SFR Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 604 posts · 243 votes
14y
if they are good tenants, I'd clean the carpets,,spending $200-$300 to save a couple of thousand you would spend getting the house ready for new tenant and lost rent,,,

As someone else said, look at the big picture, tenants are our clients, for a good tenant I'll spend a few dollars to keep them happy.

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Dan Schemerhorn
Real Estate Investor · Elmira, NY · Member since 2011 · 51 posts · 5 votes
14y
I am the same way. If you have a good renter than you want to keep them happy. It cost more money to find a NEW good renter than it takes to clean some carpet. Chris I like your idea, give them some options they can pick from. That way they feel even more special.

Thanks
Dan Schemerhorn
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