Any problems renting homes with oil heat in Charlotte, NC?

Question

Looking to purchase first investment property in Charlotte, NC.  Home isn't in a bad area 3bd /1 bath, built in 1951 and has oil heat.  Average rentals in the area are about $850.

Oil heat isn't the average in Charlotte, NC so can I expect a  problem renting?  Any other landlords currently renting in 28212 ever have the same issue?

Paul S. · Answer

@Janna Rubright in Fayetteville oil heating is probably more common in the older homes, but it might put some people off in Charlotte. @Matthew Paul is right people will complain about it but one thing I have seen in Fayetteville is that when people move out the oil company can suck the oil out of the tank and reimburse for what was not used. Another common item in the Fayetteville and Raeford areas are the big gas tanks in the yard since many homes outside the city limits do not have gas lines run to them.

Matthew Paul · Answer

You will hear tenant complaints that the furnace burns too much oil . It needs fixing .  You will also get tenants who will try to short you the rent since they just had to pay the oil bill .  Then when the tenants move out they will want you to pay them for the oil left in the tank .  The tenants will run out of oil and complain the furnace is broken , they will also complain when they have to pay to bleed the oil lines since it ran out of oil ..

I drive an oil truck for a friend when they are busy , I hear tenant complaints , I had oil at one of my houses , I heard all of the above .   They are now electric baseboard , havent had a problem since.