Should I keep a grill at the long-term rental?

Question

The house I purchased for long-term rental use came with a gas grill.  Should I keep it at the house for future renters or sell it?

Colleen F. · Answer

@Nina Diehl  depending on the condition of the grill either dispose of it or you can just gift or token sale it to the tenant renting if you know it works. Unless you have time on your hands selling it from a house you don't live at can be a pain. I would give the tenant the choice.  I have a grill the previous owner left I am happy to leave it for you or get rid of it. If I leave it, it is yours. I won't maintain or remove in the future, that will be your responsibility. If it is a decent grill that is one thing but if you sell it to them and it craps out next week they are still your tenant so consider that.

Kyle Mccaw · Answer

@Nina Diehl

For long-term rentals, we never recommend leaving a gas grill for tenant use. Here’s why:

• Liability – Grills are a fire risk. If something goes wrong, it could damage the property or injure someone—and you’ll be the one getting the call (and possibly the bill).
• Maintenance – Tenants rarely clean or care for them properly. Burners clog, grease builds up, and before long it becomes a health hazard.
• Responsibility Confusion – It creates a gray area: who fixes it, who replaces the propane, what if it’s stolen?

Liability – Grills are a fire risk. If something goes wrong, it could damage the property or injure someone—and you’ll be the one getting the call (and possibly the bill).

Maintenance – Tenants rarely clean or care for them properly. Burners clog, grease builds up, and before long it becomes a health hazard.

Responsibility Confusion – It creates a gray area: who fixes it, who replaces the propane, what if it’s stolen?

We advise removing it before listing. Let the tenants bring their own if they want one. It keeps expectations and liabilities clean and simple.

Keith Jablonowski · Answer

I wouldn't advise leaving it there.  That leaves you liable if the tenant or guest injures themselves with it.

Selling it to them is an option that lessens your risk but make sure write up a bill of sale, offer as-is and state that it is their responsibility to make sure the item is safe to use and to maintain it.

Your best route though is to sell it to someone not associated with the property at all.

David Peschio · Answer

Yes, I agree with everything mentioned. Regarding the grill, I think it's best to remove it. It's unlikely to be a deciding factor for potential renters, and removing it would eliminate any potential liability issues down the road.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

Get rid of it! Not only are there liability concerns but the tenant will want it fixed if it breaks, or runs out of gas, or if they don't know how to use it... LOL...

Should I keep a grill at the long-term rental?

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