Newbie needs advice on property management

Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 1 vote

Hi everyone

We entered RE investment because of this forum.

Just purchased a first rental property and feeling nervous.

On our first day of being newbie landlord, one current tenant called and said “ it is too hot in the units, can you add a screen door to door so that I can open door to cool it down” and then “can you install AC in the unit? I can’t believe we don’t have AC here”

By law, I think I am not required to install AC. How do I respond? I said I don’t plan to install AC. If she wants to pay for an AC unit, that is no problem. Right?

Anything I need to know about tenant installing AC?

Any advise is appreciated

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member

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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

Just because someone complaints doesn't mean their complaint is legitimate.

"Dear Tenant,

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this but we do not provide air conditioning with the rental. You are welcome to purchase a window unit or portable A/C at your own expense."

You can prevent a lot of this by including a short disclaimer clause in your lease that essentially says you've given them the opportunity to inspect the rental and ensure it meets their needs. Unless agreed to in writing prior to occupancy, Landlord is under no obligation to make improvements to rental, to include painting, flooring, additional cleaning, etc.

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John Warren
Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
6y
@Gerry Brown you have a complainer on your hands! Tenants are not all the same (obviously) but there are certain tenants that will always have something to fix if you are around/pick up the phone. Most owners I know let everything go to voice mail or just text. This allows you space to think things through. Also, 90% of issues resolve themselves when you give them a few hours.
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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
6y
Just because someone complaints doesn't mean their complaint is legitimate.
"Dear Tenant,
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this but we do not provide air conditioning with the rental. You are welcome to purchase a window unit or portable A/C at your own expense."
You can prevent a lot of this by including a short disclaimer clause in your lease that essentially says you've given them the opportunity to inspect the rental and ensure it meets their needs. Unless agreed to in writing prior to occupancy, Landlord is under no obligation to make improvements to rental, to include painting, flooring, additional cleaning, etc.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
Website View Page
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David Avery
Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
6y
A/C units are what $3500-$4500. I would be more than happy to install a new unit however your rent will increase $350 a month for this year.
Or i could buy you a couple fans ($16.00). Hopefully this will resolve your high heat issue until things cool down.
Of course they will choose the later!!!
Be firm, don't cave in, But $32. might be a easier fix.
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Chris John
Member since 2020 · 671 posts · 937 votes
6y
@Gerry Brown
Our property manager is a big fan of portable ac units. He pays around $200 or so for them and claims the tenants love them. He says it saves him a lot of money if the central a/c goes out and is too expensive to repair or if there is no central ac. I've never seen one in action though.
Just a thought for you as it might be a cheap compromise for you or your tenant.
Hopefully they'll find less to take issue with as they get used to their surroundings.
Good luck and best wishes

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