Tenant to Demand to Fix Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi

[KC Zhang]

One of my rental properties in CA has a swimming pool and hot tub. New tenant moved in early this month but we didn't check the Jacuzzi at the walk through because one of tenants was in a hurry. It was working last time I check. I'm remote to the property and couldn't show them how to operate the Jacuzzi so I sent the pool guy to explain to them. It turned out the pool guy was not familiar with the set up either. 

Few days ago, I got a call from new tenant and demanded me to fix the Jacuzzi and few minor issues with pool saying the pool feature is one of main reasons they rented house.

My question to the community: 

1. Can I take the position that pool and the Jacuzzi is added amenities and landlord has the sole discretion repair and maintenance.

2. If tenants do not agree with above mentioned position, and fix the repair and later deduct that from the rent, what's the best approach to this? Deduct from security deposit?  

FYI... tenants signed standard California 1 years lease agreement with swimming pool addendum. 

Thanks for your feedback. 

Casey  

[Marian Smith]

Put yourself in the tenants shoes.  Treat them as you would want to be treated...if you rented a property with a pool and hot tub and anticipated enjoying them as a feature of the property. In my eyes, it is no different than renting a 2 bath unit only to find later that only one bath was functional.  Is having one bath a danger to health and well being?  No, just inconvenient.  I would feel cheated, nonetheless.  So, read your lease and addendum and next contemplate whether you want to be in the landlord business or slumlord business. (Little harsh). Or maybe just "do I want a turnover in a year or a rental with happy campers wanting to stay a while?