Windows and storm windows

[Jon Wright]

I have a tenant who is moving into a house that has storm windows screwed to the outside. When she previewed the house she asked me if the windows opened. The interior windows do open but there are storm windows on the outside. She now wants me to remove the storm windows and replace them with screens. This would cost me about $600 in my estimation for sliding storm windows. My long term plan for the house is to replace all the windows with new vinyl windows. 

It was really a miscommunication. So here are the options I gave her. I can replace all the windows in the house and go up $50 a month on rent or I can replace the one broken storm window with a window with a screen. 

Any advice on a different way to handle this? 

[Marcia Maynard]

If the interior windows open, but the storm windows do not, then there could be a safety issue regarding egress. In the event of an emergency the tenants need to be able to get out quickly and safely. 

Also, for comfortable living, air flow, and ventilation, it is a good idea to have windows that can open well enough to allow stale air out and fresh air in. 

I vote for replacing the windows now rather than later. At a minimum, do as the tenant suggests and remove the storm windows and provide screens as we enter into summer.