Discount while onsite laundry is unavailable

[Svend W.]

Hi all

I have a 2 BR in Albany Park. It's still vacant, but I am looking at prospective tenants now and hoping to put somebody in soon.

It doesn't have laundry yet, but I plan to put in a new stacked washer dryer in the unit ASAP.

I'm advertising it as having in-unit laundry and am working on getting quotes for splitting water & gas for the laundry right now.

What I'm wondering is how to handle the rent while this gets sorted out.

How much would you discount the rent on a nice, newly rehabbed 2 BR in Albany Park for laundry being unavailable?

Since I expect this to be resolved soon, my assumption that the right way to cover myself is to state that laundry will be provided in the lease but add an addendum indicating what the discount is in the event the laundry is unavailable for some reason.

Thanks

[David Caradonna]

I personally don't think you need to offer a discount as long as the laundry is scheduled to be installed within a few days of their move in. Considering you don't have tenants yet, I'd assume this is highly possible, if not before they move in. And if that isn't the case then just give them a heads up. I find most people are reasonable if they're told things before they happen. 

 If there is some reason, like availability of the appliances, then I would choose different ones that are readily available. Same with your contractor to get the gas and water figured out. I personally wouldn't grab a handful of quotes if you find one that is reasonable, within budget, and can be done asap since time is a factor. Even if the prices are a little higher for sooner availability, there should be no reason you can't get units in there and functional before the tenants move in or pretty quickly otherwise. 

By no means do I mean not offer a discount if necessary, however this seems like an avoidable situation if managed and handled quickly. This also avoids a precedent with the tenant who may then expect a discount regularly any time there is a small issue. 

Just my two cents but keep us updated! I know Home Depot, BestBuy, Lowe's, and a lot of local appliances retailers can usually get units installed within a few days.