Water line to fridge - necessary or not?

Question

We just purchased our first rental property and purchased a new refrigerator with an ice/water dispenser because I mistook an old gas line on the opposite side of the refrigerator as a water line. A plumber estimated that it would cost around $500-$600 to run one from the attic to the refrigerator. Should I pay to have this done or would it be acceptable to have the ice/water portion of the refrigerator not working? The refrigerator is non refundable.

Thanks!

Dennis M. · Answer

Absolutely not unless this is a high end rental . It’s just another place to leak water and will offer no more rental income

Andrew Perkins · Answer

@Larry T.

I appreciate your reply.  It is definitely not a high end rental.  I was just worried about it looking bad that the fridge clearly has the capability but doesn’t work.  I didn’t even think about the future repair/damage aspect.  Definitely doesn’t sound worth it.

Thank you

Larry Turowski · Answer

@Andrew Perkins Unless this is a high end neighborhood and you would look careless by not having it in there, I would highly advise against it for a couple of reasons.  First, once you provide it you will have to fix it if it breaks.  And it is just another thing to break.  For instance, I prefer shower rods that are held up by spring pressure rather than being screwed to the wall.  If is just something that will break over time.  I also don't like on-the-wall toilet paper holders.  They will break.  Search this site about making your property "rent proof."

Second, if it does break it could lead to a lot of water damage.  It has happened to me on a flip.