New to Real Estate · San Diego, CA · Member since 2023 · 56 posts · 11 votes
Hi all,
I rent two room to two different tenants in my 3B/3B property. I do not live in the property but I have access to.
They have blocked the garbage disposal a couple of times and I had to figure out how to unblocked it every time. One of the tenant has informed me that the garbage disposal is blocked again and we found food and pieces of chicken inside of it. I have told them several times to both of the tenants to not put food in there.
I am getting tired of it and I don't know if I should let them handle this matter themself.
I've had units with garbage disposals. First call, I had the clog fixed by our maintenance guy. Second time they called, I indicated we would send someone out, but it would be to remove the garbage disposal.
Tenant protested. I indicated that blockages of the plumbing were their responsibility. They can get it repaired at their expense or I would simply remove the device. Tenant handled the clog and got it fixed themselves.
Tenant responsibility. Charge them for the fix. Be sure to have the maintenance crew take a picture of the issue and document.
Also, set up your tenants for success. Have them initial a document for garbage disposal best practice and set the expectation up front during lease signing (on top of the lease.) Makes its a lot easier to hold them responsible without a fight.
If the unit was rented with a disposer, you must repair or replace it for existing Tenant. You can take it out at turnover if you really think that meets your personal Rental Standards.