Please help! What to do about tenants leaving windows open?

Question

Hi everybody!

I have an issue that I need help figuring out how to address. I have an apartment that’s attached to my house and I’m renting it out to two tenants (a brother and sister). They’re pretty good tenants overall, quiet and don’t cause trouble. But I’ve recently noticed an issue; they leave windows wide open for hours (if not days) on end in the middle of winter. This is a problem because we have a gas heated house and it’s very expensive. We didn’t include heat in the utilities we’re charging them for, which was one of the appeals we used to find tenants when initially listing the posting. But they’re wasting all the heat and letting it escape out the open windows. Since they’re not paying for it, I’m assuming they’re not considering it an expense of theirs but it is an extremely large expense for me.

I’m not sure how to address this; it’s not exactly like I can force them to keep their windows closed. So I don’t even know if it’s something I can even bring up. I’m considering adding the heat to their existing utilities charges this coming fall (since winter is basically over at this point for my area) and just letting it slide until then.

I’m also experiencing another issue with them that I’m not sure how to address.

I can smell a very strange odor coming from their upstairs rooms (again, their apartment is attached to my house) and it’s so strong that it’s coming through my guest bedroom and even into my landing. It doesn’t smell quite like marijuana and I know the male tenant smokes but he’s kept it outside, as required by our lease agreement. I can’t figure out what the odor is and I’m not sure how to bring it up. Is it just my nose being sensitive to their smells? I know everybody’s house/furniture/bodies have their own unique scents but this is far too strong to be anything like that.

Any input to either issue would be greatly appreciated!!

Sincerely,

Emily

Ryan Murdock · Answer

@Emily Cole

I have a clause in my lease that states I can fine the tenant $25 per occurrence when a door or window is left open for more than 5 minutes during heating season or when it would be reasonably expected that the heat would be on.

Steven Frazier · Answer

@Emily Cole  I would try to find out if the smell is the reason they are leaving the windows open, in an attempt to air out their space.

Emily Cole · Answer

that’s a great idea! When I renew the lease with them, I’ll see if I can add that in. Thank you so much!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Emily, you're going to have to toughen up or this is going to kill you.

He smokes outside, so you know he smokes. Then you smell an "odd odor" coming from their upstairs room. Um...do you really need to ask? And the windows are open all the time, maybe to air the place out?

You have a doper in your apartment and you need to nip this in the bud (pun intended). They are costing you money by wasting the heat. Your lease should address this in writing by stating the heat is included but up to a certain limit, and that any increase caused by tenant abuse or negligence will be passed on to them. If they leave the windows open and you notice a $50 increase in your heating bill, pass it on to them.

The bottom line: you need to get rid of them as soon as you legally can. In the meantime, clean up your lease so this doesn't happen in the future, or at least so you're prepared to handle it. You've got to learn how to run this like a business and enforce the rules instead of letting your renters walk all over you right in front of your eyes.

Matt M. · Answer

@Emily Cole

When it’s time to renew, I would raise the rent $50-75/month and when they ask why, explain to them how your heating bill went up and they leave windows open.

Colleen F. · Answer

Ok so you turned the heat up for them and now they leave the windows open. Tell them I turned the heat up because you complained you were cold but now I am turning the heat down now since I noticed you are leaving the windows open and I assume you are now too hot.  In general I  do not consider it acceptable to leave the windows open in winter.  (I don't know if you have radiators but you can shut them off or keep the door to a room closed to regulate heat.)  After you do this you need to start door knocking if the behavior continues.  Fining is a good option for this too.

For the smell ask them if they noted it and know what it is? are you sure it is not growing pot?  growing and smoking smell a bit different from each other.

Marc Winter · Answer

My vote would be they probably smokin something (crack?) and opening windows to vent it out, then forgetting to close them.

Johann Jells · Answer

OP hasn't said if they're even on a separate thermostat. And a 2nd furnace won't help without a separate meter. Included utilities always includes this kind of hassle, I have 3 family where the top floor complains about the heat but the dude wears shorts all winter from what I can see. Fortunately the thermostat is not in their unit.

Thomas S. · Answer

If you are not prepared to address the issues directly with your tenants non renew their lease when it is up and establish stricter lease language with new tenants to address the issues.

It may take some time to stream line your system to cover as many negative situations as possible. Your rental rate, if it includes utilities, must be adjusted higher to cover tenants irresponsible actions.

Maggie Ratner · Answer

I find that any issue worth addressing is best done in person!  However, with that being said with the situation of the windows it’s a behavior although there are several indirect ways to address!  Once you set up how you will communicate I would ask if texting is acceptable?  If yes, I would text them a picture of the windows open with $$ signs and kindly remind them that if this doesn’t end they will see an increase due to utilities bill jump!  In addition, then you have a time, date, stamp of how many times you’ve had to address and frequency.

It’s very easy to get yearly print out and if heating costs have increased it is not unreasonable for you to expect more in renewal increase- if renewing is an option.

Finally, smells. . .

It’s best to address at time of incident instead of assuming anything once you notice it - knock on door and address.  That is a situation whereas; it’s best done at time of incident so that there are no accusations just facts.  I smelled this at this time do you have a minute for you to come and see what I’m talking about so we can resolve!

Just my two cents!

Please help! What to do about tenants leaving windows open?

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