New tenant requesting discount

[Collin Wilson]

Hey all. Seeking some advice on how to handle a new tenant asking for a discount on rent. The story is we purchased a property and did a minor rehab (flooring, paint, new kitchen appliances, new bathroom vanities, etc). We rented the property out on July 1 and the new tenant didn’t move in until July 9. The tenants are two young adults (mid 20’s) and they have a guarantor (one tenants father). We completed a move in inspection where a few minor things were pointed out and fixed. After the tenants moved in they created an additional list of items they noticed as they were moving in…the majority of those items were fixed/remedied (things like light bulb and another deep clean) In August I received an email asking for a discount because the house wasn’t completely ready upon move in. Against my better judgement we decided to take off $200 for September rent…the main reason was because pest control had to be called for mouse droppings on July 9 (as soon as I was notified by tenant I contacted our pest service) but the pest services couldn’t get in until July 17. This is a lengthy post but any thoughts/guidance is appreciated. My thought is to stay firm on the $200 discount and make sure they are aware that going forward there will be no discounts unless assigned in the lease (livability issues). Many of the issues below are very minor and a lot of them are just my handymen leaning tools and supplies around. The following is the list of items they were unsatisfied about and are requesting a discount for:

-smoke detectors and tools/keys in drawer

-missing shelf piece to hold shelf up

-light upstairs is out

-mouse poop (?) above stove

-upstairs was not vacuumed

-trash in yard-extra wood in closet

-bugs in shower

-shower water dripping

-screens in bedroom

-tool in bedroom next to bathroom

-dirt/dust on all window sills

-kitchen light needs to be raised

-air was turned off 7/6 - when returned after maintenance/cleaning people left it back on and it was set to 65

-tools/supplies in small master closet

[Michael Plante]

To me the place was not ready to rent 

BUT this is almost word for word the text I sent a tenant  on a similar situation 

after thinking about all the items you spoke about. It is clear the place will never meet your expectations  I think it is best for you to move out  I don’t want anyone staying at my place who doesn’t want to be there 

Of course upon moving out I will refund your deposit 

Please let me know your move out date 
I received a frantic phone call from the husband saying everything was fine and they wanted to stay 

That was 6 months ago.  Auto rent has been paid and no more communications from the tenant