Should we purchase ac unit for tenant?

Question

We own a duplex (Just purchased) without a/c. The tenant would like us to purchase a window unit for them (replace an old one). Do you all typically pay for this or should the tenant?

John Underwood · Answer

I would put in central heat and air unless this is a slum.

You should provide AC and heat of some type.

Karl B. · Answer

My tenants usually buy or bring a window unit. If a tenant wanted one I'd hook them up - I have several units in my warehouse from a tenant I evicted. Might as well spend the cash and make your tenant happy though had you not had an AC unit there I bet your tenant would have simply purchased one and put it in.

Patrick M. · Answer

Your call. Our older units the inherited tenants had there own. Our 1st renovation we did not mess with the heat and ac, all the new tenants have supplied their own. Every renovation since we did central- except 1.

It was a small unit and we were going to but we decided to cut a hole for an insert- I bought that AC unit and I will repair and replace going forward.

It is completely your call, but if you are on the fence then pick one up cheap on Craigslist.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Jayce Stewart Yes in my world I pay; especially to replace an existing unit.

Account Closed · Answer

If you do buy them a AC unit I would look into actually giving it to them and having them responsible for the maintenance. As opposed to you owning the AC unit and adding another maint call you have to take care of. Just my 2 cents. Depends on a lot of other things like if they are month to month or a year, how good of tenant they are.  Good luck

Mike McCarthy · Answer

@Jayce Stewart what state are you in? In the south, sure, you should probably be providing AC. Here, many properties don’t have it and the tenants are expected to bring their own if they want them.

Brian Bagdasarian · Answer

I'll usually supply one if requested. We're considering installing mini-splits into a couple units for this coming summer. The amortized cost is minimal, and while we may not see an immediate return from a cashflow POV, when we re-rent we'll be able to pump the rent accordingly.

Jayce Stewart · Answer

Thanks everyone. This is helpful.

Should we purchase ac unit for tenant?

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