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

Question

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. · Answer

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.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Tenants..........headsmack.....

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Dear Tenant,

I did not give you permission to add a reverse osmosis system. You are required to request permission, and receive permission, before making any alterations to my property. You also do not have the right to bill me for alterations I did not approve.

You are responsible for paying this invoice. When your lease ends and you move out, you will be required to remove the reverse osmosis system and return the home to its original condition.

Your Landlord

I would set up an inspection at your earliest opportunity to ensure they are not making any additional changes to the home. I would also document the reverse osmosis system with pictures or video.

Scott Mac · Answer

And if it goes unpaid the installer (probably a plumbing company) might lien the house.

Unless the renter installed himself in which case he will take it when he moves.

Refrigerator filters are $35 to $50 items that click/pop (or screw) in place.

Jon Reed · Answer

That is all on your tenant. Unless you had a verbal or written agreement that you would pay for it.

Dick Rosen · Answer

First I would send him a Lease Violation for making alterations without prior written consent but that must be written in your Lease. No, the Landlord is not responsible for that. The house didn't come with it and it wasn't listed in the

Dennis M. · Answer

Brace yourself because next week it’ll be a bill for the new hot tub jacuzzi he’s adding lol inform the tenant that he needs to go pound salt and tell him you touch stuff like that again he’s the one getting charged for tampering altering your home . Do not put up with this crap going forward . I’d nip this in the bud now before this fool gets more bright ideas

Michael Lee Merewether · Answer

How about wording holding tenant responsible for maintaining RO system and any damage resulting therefrom.  Those are prone to leak if not properly installed or maintained     I had a tenant complain about mold and I spent a lot of money for testing and repair of deconstruction before I found out tenant had installed RO unit without my knowledge or permission and it was leaking

Dennis M. · Answer

Make sure your lease states tenant is not permitted to alter fixtures and whatnot without permission . My lease is 9 pages long it is so biased In my favor removes so many rights and so thorough I actually feel embarrassed to read it aloud when signing on tenants

Jim K. · Answer

Sure, sometimes the cray-cray's crystal-clear.

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

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