Extreme heat

[Rob Campbell-Nixon]

I recently bought a new duplex and it came with two new central air units. Yesterday it was a 115 degree heat index and the units were having trouble keeping up, it was about 83 degrees in the apartment. Should I be concerned about buying fans or a window unit to help them out or should I tell them to get there own fans? 

[Kevin Siedlecki]

I have provided window units for tenants, but not in units with central air.  If it's 115 out, I don't know if anyone is getting better results than you, bringing it down to 83.

That said, if you spend a few hundred bucks on a couple window units, and that makes the unit more comfortable, then the tenants are happy, and in no rush to move out.  If the average tenant stays one extra month for each time you go above and beyond to provide exceptional service, you've doubled or tripled that few hundred dollar investment.

I don't think its necessary to provide anything more than the central air, but if they ask about it, I would make the investment in their satisfaction as customers. 

If they haven't mentioned anything to you yet, bring over a window unit and say you had an extra that you are letting them borrow during the heat wave. You'll be landlord of the year and they'll never want to leave, saving you money in the long run.