Should tenants get a one time reduced rent

[Jenn A.]

This summer in the middle of the heatwave, the AC went out on our rental. It took four different technicians and about 5 weeks to finally fix it fully. It would work for a little then go out again. The tenants have been patient and gracious. We have been very responsive to them also. Even spending $1000 to buy 3 portable units so they could sleep at home. They have kids including a baby. During this they spent several nights at her mom's, at out a lot, and now have a high electricity bill. They are caught up on rent but are struggling to pay. We are thinking about giving them a one time reduction in rent. Looking for opinions, pros, cons.

[Brian Barfoot]

I would find another way to show that you appreciate them and their way of handling the hassle like a grocery gift card. Setting a precedent of reducing rent gets into slippery slope territory but a one time gift of something equally valuable has a different feel.