Repairs Due to Tenants Negilience

[Elizabeth Colegrove]

The dishwasher in one of my rental unit stopped draining. $80 later the repair man told me it was due food getting stuck in the drain that was missed by the filter. I paid for the repair.

The repair got me thinking. While I keep my houses in good condition, I do want to keep a handle on our repair costs. I am getting ready to close on 6 houses in the next 4 months. I want to put something in the lease regarding landlord only pays for repairs due to wear and tear.

Question: What is your policy for repairs?

[Michael B.]

Here's my policy:

The tenant has to pay for repairs if they are unquestionably their fault. But if it's questionable, or partially his fault, or can even be argued it's my fault I do it at my expense.

Here's the reason. I want the tenant to come to me when things are wrong. I don't want them trying to fix something he's unsure of and I sure don't want them not telling me maintenance is needed because they're afraid I'll charge them.

If you think doing maintenance when you find it is expensive, try fixing it after it's been hidden for a couple of years.