Tenant Fridge Issues

[Sarina Drucker]

I purchased a new Whirlpool refrigerator 11/2016 from Best Buy. The new tenant has notified me that the temperature is iffy. When they get it to the correct temp (using a thermometer) food directly in front of the vents that circulate the freezer air into fridge freeze their perishables. Looking at more reviews now and speaking to a Whirlpool repair person, this is just how the fridge operates and nothing to fix. The suggestion from online reviewers is to move drinks in front of vents and put delicate items farther away. Knowing the tenants, they really just buy fresh food  veggies and fruit and not much they can pop in front of vents. I'm looking for suggestions/solutions. I know opinions will vary based on personal style of management. 1) If you've had this issue, any suggestions to improve usage?  2) Don't want to lose good tenants over an $800 fridge (their rent is considerably higher). Would you replace even though it's only a few years old? 3) Any fridge purchased that you think is awesome for a rental (recent purchases please). Apparently Whirlpool used to be good, but now cheaply made unless buying their top models. TIA!

[Lynn McGeein]

Many refrigerators will do this - especially if fridge too empty or too full.  It's so common that you can just google how to keep food from freezing in your fridge and share it with them --  at  least they'll see it's a common thing.  Most say to just keep delicate items away from the vents.  Which only makes sense.  If their fridge is half-empty, it can help to add a few large bottles of water to keep near vents and absorb the cold.