Tenant Requests for Repairs upon move in

[Julie George]

Hello everyone,

I am a fairly new landlord in the state of Illinois. I own a single unit within a building of about 43 or so units that is managed by an HOA. I experienced my first tenant swap this month, and needless to say, I picked up many "learning lessons" during this time. I had my new tenants complete a property condition form, and after detailed review, asked me to fix a couple items. In my opinion, most of the issues they requested were cosmetic in nature and I do not think I am necessarily legally responsible for them. However, I plan to take care of most of them anyway for the sake of tenant-landlord goodwill, and the fact that they are mostly one time fixes that if I take care of will improve the quality of my unit. The one request from them that I am wrestling with is in regards to window screens.

There are a few windows missing screens, and the tenants are asking to have screens replaced so they could open the windows.  I have personally rented and lived in buildings that did not have screens and never thought to ask my landlord to replace them. I could not find any legal language that requires window screens, in particular, as the responsibility of the landlord. 

Since this unit is also part of an HOA, should I be involving my HOA as well on this topic? Can anyone weigh in on this subject?

[Ronan M.]

I put screens on all my units whether or not they were there in the first place. Being able to open a window for fresh air or for a cool breeze is more of a basic than a luxury. If you are used to being able to open a window and then you can't because of no screens and flying bugs that would be a bummer IMO. 

But you should touch base with the HOA as they probably have guidelines as to the screens that can be used and the color etc etc .

The downside is of course tenants never take care of screens...and just like mini blinds they always seem to trash them.