New tenant wants everything fixed

[Desmond Fielding]

Hello,

I just got a new tenant into a SF rental. They were great during the phone screening/showing and the background/credit check all came back good. However, now that they're in the home they keep pointing out the smallest details and requesting that they're fixed. For background information - I previously lived in the home while I remodeled it and moved out to rent it and start the process over with a new home, so house is fully renovated with almost every room being updated. The tenant has pointed out things like a window screen with a hole the size of a quarter and doors missing door stops...  am I really obligated to replace the window screen or add door stops to a few doors that are missing them? 

I want to provide and safe enjoyable place to live, but this seems like unnecessary fixes. It would be different if the roof leaked and the toilets didn't flush, but I don't think any of these small changes will improve living conditions. This is my first rental, so I'm not sure the best way to proceed. What would you do if you were in my position?

Thanks in advance!

[Nathan Gesner]

No, you are not obligated to fix those things. Your responsibility is to maintain what was there when they moved in. I would tell the tenant that no rental is perfect, these issues are unimportant, and you won't fix them. They can accept the home as is or they can move out.

I verbally tell applicants that the home will be accepted "as is" and that we will not do any additional cleaning or repairs. I also have this clause in my lease, which covers nit-pickers and those that rent without viewing the home first. I make them initial this clause:

MOVE-IN CONDITION. Tenant acknowledges the rental was represented through marketing materials designed to attract applicants for in-person inspections. Tenant was given the opportunity to inspect the rental prior to signing this Agreement. Tenant elects to accept the property in its current condition and/or they are waiving their opportunity to inspect, at their own choosing and for their own convenience. Landlord shall not be obligated to clean, decorate, alter, repair, or otherwise improve the rental, either before or after the execution of this lease, unless agreed to in writing as part of this Agreement.