refrigerator, icemaker, water in door

[Diane Jacoby]

Tenant wants to replace the refrigerator that comes with the unit with her own refrigerator. Proposed refrigerator is the type with automatic ice maker and water/ice through the door. Existing refrigerator has neither of these amenities.

As landlords years ago we had a bad experience with automatic ice maker refrigerator leaking and causing expensive water damage. Since then we have not supplied refrigerators with automatic ice makers.  This is a good tenant, and we would like to work with her on this if possible.  At the same time we're horrified by the thought of connecting a water supply (not a simple task due to the kitchen lay out) to a refrigerator with no provision for drain or leak containment. Seeking feedback from landlords with experience with this type of refrigerator.

Thanks!

[Jay Jasunas]

The reason landlords consider this is because they are good tenants that we want to keep. If I lost a tenant over a dispute on them paying for an improvement then I would consider myself in the wrong business. 

@Diane Jacoby if you have a place to store your old fridge then definitely consider this very reasonable request. I have never had a problem with a water line running to a fridge as long as it was installed properly. Almost every nice home in America has one.