Higher ground just doesnt always make dollars or sense

[Gregory Schwartz]

This weekend I received a repair request from a tenant. The tenant's stove shorted (the old outlet arched) popping the breaker and her dryer wasn't performing up to par. This same tenant is consistently late on rent and doest respond to my emails to provide rent payment assistance or payment plans. As much as I wanted to ignore this request or even worse buy a toaster oven and a dryer line for hang drying clothes, I broke down and spend one month's rent on upgraded appliances. 

So now I still don't have May's rent, I'm out $650 and she's enjoying an upgraded kitchen. 

How would you have dealt with the situation? 

[Marc Winter]

Yes, it's a dilemma. We immediately address health/safety issues, regardless of the rent being paid in full or late.  

In your case, a lease clause stating that 'existing appliances are for the use and enjoyment of the tenant.  Landlord is not responsible for their condition and/or repair or replacement.'

Other than that, if it was just the outlet, I'd have an electrician install a replacement outlet and make sure that the circuit is working properly.  If it was the stove itself you either buy new or used.  

It's never an easy decision and it can be emotional.   The trick is to try to separate your emotions from the decision.  Easy to say, but difficult to achieve.

Good luck.