Real Estate Professional · South Orange, NJ · Member since 2017 · 49 posts · 10 votes
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?
Bedford, NH · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8y
If the apartment was rented with washer/dryer hookups, then it is your responsibility to supply (current, working) washer dryer hookups.
If, on the other hand, the lease says no hookups are provided, but the tenant simply found some and stared using them, then you have no need to replace them at your expense.
Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 352 posts · 281 votes
8y
Title of your post is a bit misleading. If the appliance is new and recently purchased by the tenant then its not the appliance that needs maintenance. Its your hooks ups. She already took care of the "appliance" maintenance issue i.e...her machine broke...she bought a new one.
If you ever decide to use those hooks up or install coin-op laundry for your 4 plex then its probably something you will need to do sooner or later. If your tenant is buying appliances its suggests long term tenants who are adding value. I would have the hook ups fixed up to accommodate the new machine. Happy tenant happy landlord.
Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 67 posts · 35 votes
8y
The way I think about it is if the tenant leaves and the item with the problem stays I pay for it. If the tenant leaves and the item with the problem leaves then they pay for it. If the tenant owns the washer and it breaks the tenant pays if the washer dryer hookup attached to my rental breaks then I pay for it. Pretty much if it’s mine I pay if it’s theirs they pay.
Real Estate Professional · South Orange, NJ · Member since 2017 · 49 posts · 10 votes
8y
Lots of colorful responses, thanks BP community!
To clarify, the issue isn’t that our hookups are broken. The hookups work fine. They may be old but they are working. It’s the appliance company that is being difficult. We could offer to install the washer ourselves for the tenant. Its just that then the appliance wouldn’t be under warranty, according to the appliance company.
It could fall under a lease term where the tenant has caused a situation where something on my property needs to be fixed/replaced. This seems to be in a gray area, so I wanted to ask around.
I agree, it’s important to establish a good working relationship w the tenant. Wasn’t sure how strict we should be as new landlords, but it seems the consensus is to go ahead and pay for the hookup.
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2017 · 719 posts · 658 votes
8y
My plumber always installs my washers and dryers and warranties work.
I hope you pay these $150 not to the appliance company but to a third party?
It must be tough business in your city if there is such a question. I provide all appliances including washer/dryer and fix them when something goes broke.
Ventless models washer/dryer combo cost $600-900 but Tenants prefer places with washer/dryer and it's still a good idea to supply these.
Massapequa, NY · Member since 2017 · 90 posts · 42 votes
8y
@Yinna Wang Your talking about $150. If these are good tenants and they pay on time. Then paying for this SMALL problem as long as it is a small problem, could potentially make your tenant happy and pay back ten fold to you in the long run. PLUS it is part of your structure.
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
8y
It is probably the appliance company looking to make a buck. You can either have the connection fixed by your own person at whatever that will cost and have them bring the appliance company back for the warranty install. Alternately cough the $150 up to the appliance company. It is your connection to fix but the appliance company may be overally conservative, give them a bad review if you feel it is warranted.