Questin on a rental with a coal furnace

[Andy Sabisch]

OK, I have never had a property (rental or personal residence) with a coal furnace but I understand that in the area, coal is still a popular heating source.

We are looking at a rental property (duplex) that has electric baseboard heat on one side and a newer coal furnace on the other side.

The question is how much of a deterrent to someone renting the property with a coal furnace?  Do I need to figure in the cost to replace it with oil or propane or even electric baseboard?  From what I understand, a coal furnace needs constant attention and that ties people to the property in the winter.

Be interested in feedback from landlords with units that have coal heat