Appliances, filters, and tenant preference

[Brad Sparks]

How much weight do you give to tenant requests? The fridge needs to be replaced and the tenant wants a side by side with an ice maker. The difference in price vs a basic fridge is $200-300. 

Another question: do you pay for and replace the refrigerator and AC/heater filters in your rentals?

[JD Martin]

We remove ice makers in all properties. They're a major source of trouble. Most tenants don't realize it was leaking until the floor is already damaged/destroyed. 

We provide a refrigerator in all units. If the fridge goes bad we replace with similar. I don't ask the tenant what he/she wants nor do I care. Top freezer/bottom fridge units are the most efficient and most trouble free and that is what we put in units. No exceptions. Occasionally we will allow a fridge to be stored if a tenant wants to have his/her own fridge delivered, so long as the storage is done properly and without damage to the fridge or the unit. 

AC/Heater filters are the responsibility of the tenant. That said, tenants suck at changing them out so we will change them if we are in a unit and see it needs changed. Bought in bulk they tend to cost $2-5 each so it's cheap insurance to keep the central hvac unit from being damaged.