Light bulbs and refrigerator water filters as capex?

[Hendra Wijaya]

Hi Everyone,

This probably seems silly to ask, but I am still curious about it. Do you budget things such as new light bulbs, faucets, toilet flappers and water filters in the fridge as capital expenditures? Or do you make your tenants pay for them? 

Thanks again for your time!

[Greg Scott]

I would never have a line-item for small things like light bulbs in my budget, otherwise, the budget would be 100 pages long. 

On the other hand, I would never expect a resident to change filters or toilet flappers, although they may change light bulbs.  It is often better to give the resident "free" preventative maintenance items such as new furnace filters because it prolongs the useful life of your major equipment.  It also gives you the opportunity to check on the property at least 2x per year and you can note any lease violations or other problems.