Do landlords have to pay for a reverse osmosis filter sustem?

[Maria Tran]

Hello,

My renter just sent me an invoice for a reverse osmosis water system and installation fee.  I previously had a water filter connected to the fridge but had no such water system.  He chose to install it on his own and unfortunately, the lease does not spell out whose responsibility this is.  

Any advice on whether this is my responsibility or the Tenant’s?  He installed it without my knowledge and consent so it seems fair that I shouldn’t have to pay for it.  

Appreciate your input!

[Jennifer T.]

That is completely bizarre the tenant thinks they can put in a reverse osmosis system...especially considering the house didn't have one to begin with...and that you should be responsible for paying for it.  I assume you knew nothing about it and never agreed to that.

I swear!  Some people just live in an alternate reality from the rest of us.

I'd tell the tenant you did not authorize or agree to pay for an RO system.  I'd also mention that he is welcome to take it with him for whenever he moves out, as long as the sink/plumbing is fully returned to its previous condition.

Edited to add: In regards to it not being addressed one way or another in your lease.  Of course it isn't addressed.  Because an RO system didn't exist before.  To give an exaggerated analogy.  That would be like my tenant taking it upon himself to spend $40K to put a pool in the backyard.  And then tell me I'm responsible for the cost of the pool and for maintaining the pool.  It's not like, "whelp, he's got me there, because I didn't write anything in the lease about a pool and pool maintenance."

I realize you mentioned something about a filtered water line to the fridge that no longer works.  One could argue you are responsible for replacing that.  But an RO system is totally different.