Air conditioners in tenants apt

[Rosalie DiPietro]

I have a good tenant in my two family rental in Astoria queens Ny 

the air conditioning unit which is in a wall sleeve has stopped working    the air conditioner was left by a previous tenant however the  current tenant is under the assumption that  it is my responsibility now to repair or replace it 

I politely told him no

they’ve been there for 2 years without any increase for $2300 a month which includes a parking space valued between 150/ $200 month, includes Heat and cooking gas …a $40-50 mo savings for them 

comparable Apts listed for $2995/mo, plus utilities  and $150/200 mo for parking

Any advice on how to handle?

[Adam Martin]

I’m not sure if NY is different but generally any appliance or amenity in the unit is considered part of the property and if they started with it need to remain with it for the remainder of the lease unless the lease states otherwise.  The fact that you haven’t been keeping up with rent increases is a separate issue that has no bearing on upkeep.