Providing A/C or let tenants provide

[Luca Shaw]

Hello,

Have a 2/2 with no AC in southern California. Options are either to:

1. Install window AC/portable AC in the 2 rooms. Cost probably <=$~1k. cheap up front and low cost maintainence.
2. Have HVAC co install central AC or mini splits. Cost  ~$10-15k across the few bids I got it.

Is it worth it to get the central for future rent growth? Or just go cheap and do the portable/window? 

House is worth ~650k in an in demand area and rent will be slightly positive to P&I but negative to PITI and maintainence. I plan on potentially putting a 3rd bedroom on the house in 1-2 years.

[Jacob Hornberger]

I would look at what is typical for the neighborhood. If every other house on the street has central AC then I would probably go that route. If they don't, I would consider it more. Having central AC would bring in more demand for the unit, and possibly higher rent dependent on the area.