How to keep tenants from turning off dehumidifier?

Question

We recently bought a rental property with a basement that gets humid in the summer. We're concerned about possible mould growth, so we bought an efficient dehumidifier with a hose for drainage so it would be hassle-free for the tenant. We plan to require in the lease that the dehumidifier be kept on 24x7 (it only runs when the humidity gets too high). However, we're worried that tenants might still turn off that dehumidifier without our knowledge to save on their electric bill. Any recommendations?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Make sure your lease includes a clause that tenant is responsible for any damages caused by turning the humidifier off. You can also put a note on the dehumidifier to remind them. Conduct quarterly inspections to verify it's running and things are staying dry.

John Teachout · Answer

I'd state that you have provided a dehumidifier to keep the basement dry and mold/mildew free. Make it sound like an advantage (it is) and they'll want to have a nice smelling home, not musty smelling. I've found that just running a fan in a basement is about as good as a dehumidifier as if the air is moving, mildew won't form. We run a 20" box fan on low 24/7/365 in our basement here in Georgia and never have any dampness/mildew issues.

Mary M. · Answer

I dont think it is fair to saddle the tenant with what is an owner expense. Perhaps credit tenants back x amount per month (x being either the average cost or based on time of year). You dont make tenants pay for roofing or other maintenance items and this would solve your concern over them not wanting to pay for it

Jon Reed · Answer

You can also direct wire the dehumidifier in and secure any on/off button on the unit. That way they don't have the option to turn it off.

Jerzy Adamczyk · Answer

@Sarah Geary

Lynnette E. · Answer

I think that you should give the renters a credit back for the electricity that way they think you are paying for it instead of them.  Even if you increase the rent so your bottom line is the same, make a point of giving them a check for maybe $100 every 3 months to offset the cost of the unit running.

Sarah Geary · Answer

Thanks, these are some good ideas! I think we'll go with that lease provision about damages, make sure to do those quarterly inspections, and be up front with potential tenants about the requirement. Good point about how sometimes even the "maintenance free" dehumidifiers need attention.

Peter Tverdov · Answer

I'm pretty sure they turn off automatically.

How to keep tenants from turning off dehumidifier?

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