Having an issue with tenant not keeping up with oil for the heat

[Lee Underhill]

This is our first rental property and having an issue with the one tenant keeping oil in the tank . They call us to say the furnace is not working but then we find out it’s because once again he has run it to low and wants someone to come out to look at it when we already know the issue is the low oil ? Do we have the right to charge the tenant the fee for a service call since it’s their responsibility to keep up with the oil?

[Marc Winter]

Oil heat remains problematic in the Northeast.  We caution buyers of properties heated by oil, and inform owners of the typical problems associated with oil heat before we take on management.

One major problem is when a tank runs out, all the gunk that has settled to the bottom of the tank ends up in the lines, filter and firing head.  That means a service call to replace filter, and often clean the head, blow out the lines. 

Definitely is a tenant caused problem--oil deliveries should be automatic, based on degree-days.  If the oil provider is on a "call-in" basis, the problem will continue. 

A few suggestions: 

1) enter into a service contract with the oil provider, increase rent by that amount amortized by 12 months.  Tenants should call the number for service contract with any problems.  Have the service company cc you with any service calls and what was done.

2) insist the tenant be on an automatic delivery with the oil provider--put in lease

3) consider changing the source of heating

Good luck!