Appliance maintenance, landlord or tenant pays?

[Yinna Wang]

Just purchased a 4plex, property has some deferred maintenance. We have washer/dryer hookups in the basement that our tenant uses with her own machines. Last week she told us that the washer broke and she purchased a new one. However, the installers told her that our hookup was too rusted and would not install, and if they don't install then the appliance is not covered under warranty. It will cost us about $150 to have the plumber come out and replace the hookup. Should we just pay for this cost or have the tenant pay?

[Matt K.]

The answer seems obvious.... since it's part of your structure it's on you the landlord.