Air Conditioning Broken

[Rob Bianco]

Hi Folks,

I've been a landlord for about a year now and there's always something I'm dealing with that the previous landlord neglected. The A/C unit died (it was 30+ years old. RIP) and while the contractor for the Home Warranty company is saying it needs to be replaced the tenant is pissed because it's been 4-5 days without air conditioning. 

I feel pretty bad about it considering the tenant has small kids and I'm having some window units temporarily placed into the unit. Nonetheless, other than that and apologizing profusely, what can I do? Home Warranty company likely will replace the unit, but it's taking a lot longer and more effort than normal to get it done.

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Rob Bianco, I assume this unit is in a really warm climate for A/C to be such a big issue in April.

I think you are doing exactly the right thing. You are addressing the issue in a timely manner. Some things just take time to get resolved and in addition you are taking extra steps like putting some window a/c units in place. That is extra in my opinion unless this is a really high end unit. Its extra, but you should be proud to do it because many landlords would not. 

If these tenants were home owners they would be dealing with the same amount of time without a working central a/c. You are renting them a place to live, NOT a perfect place to live.