Originally posted by @Thomas S.:
"oh too bad, I'm not responsible, it says it in the lease, so I can't help you."
Do you expect your tenants to honour the lease. Is there a reason to put language in your lease you have no intention of enforcing. If you are intending to give tenants a break or free ride the first time there is a problem then put that in the lease.
If you are not going to honour and abide by your own lease why would you expect your tenants to honor the same lease.
For those landlord that have a problem enforcing their lease you need to sit down a rewrite it before a tenant discovers your weakness.
@Thomas S.
Yes, I expect them to honor the lease. I agree that it would be a good idea to have that kind of language in the lease. I also agree that there is a need to enforce the language if it is in the lease. But my decision would also depend a lot on these three factors: the amount of rent I was receiving, the cost to remedy, and the extent to which the tenant is a pain.
My point is that if I can keep tenants happy - relatively easily and cheaply - I'd probably just do it ... on a case by case basis of course ... and my decision would depend a lot on those three aforementioned points. If by my own actions, I end up breaking my own lease to make them happy, I would definitely let them know that it does not set a precedent in any way, that I appreciate their tenancy, and hope they feel special, so they will keep paying me rent.
Here's how I would have probably dealt with it: 1) Check the lease. 2) Order a new fridge and cut a check for $180 to tenant. Do not attempt to repair fridge. Get a nice $500-$600 with SS finish, or if there's not enough money go on Craigslist or Habitat Humanity Restore. But do not pursue warranty or home warranty, those aren't even worth it for something trivial like this. 3) If there is language in the lease, explain to tenant how it's a 1 time thing. If there isn't the language , let tenant know there will be a letter in the mail which they must comply and sign. (But here in my I can't do that because there's rent control ... but that's another story).
Anyway, for my smaller operation here in L.A. of less than 10 units (plexes and SFRs) that I self-manage, I find there is a benefit in maintaining good relationships with tenants. That's why I sometimes try to exceed their expectations on the small things, so hopefully they'll be more willing to work with me on the big things should they ever come up.
