Baby Proofing

[Ken Carty]

Hello all Bigger Pocketers!

I am in a bit of a confusing spot here. I have inherited a tenant who has been living in one of my three units for going on 20 years now. 

I've only owned the property since March of this year (no lease, month to month). She now have two infants in the house. One baby less than a year old, and the second 3 years old. The heaters do not have covers and she is requesting that they be covered to prevent the babies from making contact with them. 

She counted 7 heaters that should be covered. As some of you already know, it can cost anywhere from 100-200 for each cover. 

One of my concern is what are the legal ramifications if a child was to get injured from it. It was also purchased as an FHA so it was not incorporated. Her unit is also in poor condition and will need a rehab before renting again. I am not in a financial position to lose her monthly rent, let alone to rehab her unit.

I am seeking advice on how you guys would handle this situation. 

-Ken

[Aaron Mazzrillo]

Here is your first lesson in holding rentals; If you can't afford to keep it vacant, you can't afford to keep it. 

It sounds to me like you over extended yourself just to participate in the thrill of property management. I had a $22K unexpected repair expense last month on just one house. Surprises happen and that's you're second lesson.

I don't know what your liability is regarding the heaters. One of my tenants recently called to tell me her toddler son was able to open the front door of the house and was walking outside. Probably not my problem at all, but I wrote the check to have a security door installed. Everyone has the right to sue regardless if you're at fault or not and I bet that cost will be more than new heater covers so... write that check!