Tenant switched off hot water - other tenants complaining

Tenant switched off hot water - other tenants complaining

Member since 2021 · 1 post · 0 votes

I own a four unit dwelling in New Jersey.  One of the units (ground-floor) includes the basement in its living space. De facto this also includes the utility room, which is a separate room in the basement (the door does not lock).  Due to the floods, the water heaters' pilot lights went out and I had to send a repairman over to relight.  

However, the ground-floor tenant has been doing some reading and has come to the conclusion that he doesn't feel safe having his family right above this equipment, so he turned off all the water heaters.  He's asking that they either be replaced entirely or that the controls be replaced.  My insurance should cover this, but in the meantime the whole building doesn't have hot water.  I told him he doesn't have the right to make that decision and to turn the units back on, but he's not listening.

Any advice on how to handle this?

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
5y

Turn the water heaters back on, lock the door, and tell the tenant he can move if he doesn't feel safe.

The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
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  • Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2020 · 210 posts · 163 votes
    5y

    @Alex Reamon, interesting situation. I would start with saying that you just had a repairman service the units and that they are in safe working condition, which might provide some peace of mind. You also read through your lease and see if there is anything in there that would could reference to help, but I'll say it's a unique situation that you may not find much help in your lease on.

    Also, I'm unclear how your insurance would cover the full replacement of the water heaters if they weren't damaged beyond repair?

  • Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    Here in PA, if a gas-fired water heater gets flooded/wet, the ignitor, gas valve and other parts must be replaced.  Go directly to the building/zoning/permit office and ask for them to answer that question.  You can also contact your natural gas supplier and inquire.

    But whatever you do, get this issue resolved ASAP.  Court papers usually say the owners "know, or should have known..." 

  • San Antonio, TX · Member since 2019 · 930 posts · 836 votes
    5y

    @Alex Reamon

    Any reason you don’t install a lock for $20?

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    5y

    Talk to the repairman and find out if they need to be replaced.  Then add a lock to the door, so your tenant does not have access to that room.

  • Real Estate Broker · Rochester Hills, MI · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    Get it in writing that the systems are fine from your contractor.  Lock out access to this room.  This is also a health and safety issue meaning you are required to provide hot water to the units by law.  He is interfering with this  you may be able to get an eviction (I know, your in Jersey so maybe not) rolling based on health and safety issue.  Might even be able to get the city to stop by and talk to him as he is interfering with health and safety codes that the city has in place.  Or just get the city to come out and inspect and give the thumbs up.  

  • Rental Property Investor · TN · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    Let them know that they can break their lease and leave if they are ot happy and buy a lock for the door.

  • Rental Property Investor · Laurel, MD · Member since 2016 · 378 posts · 382 votes
    5y

    @Alex Reamon Get the water heaters back on, lock the door and tell the tenant to provide you with their move out date. Otherwise he can shut up and deal with it. You need to take control of this and let the tenant know you're in charge! Good luck!

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    5y

    Turn the water heaters back on, lock the door, and tell the tenant he can move if he doesn't feel safe.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    @Alex Reamon

    Put a lock on the door and show him where all of your carbon monoxide detectors are. If he continues to be a problem then replace the tenant.

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