Landlord Question #34 – Appliances

[paramount]

My current tenant is having an issue with an appliance (a dryer which is mine). In the original lease there is a stipulation that I will maintain these appliances – perhaps a mistake, but I did this originally for marketing purposes.

The lease expired some time ago (last year), so as far as I’m concerned those appliances are no longer my responsibility with the exception of removal.

Should I fix it/replace it? Or remind tenant we no longer have a lease – you’re on your own.

[Coronita]

Do you like your current tenant or do you not like your current tenant? 🙂

Assuming it’s a SFH….I don’t lease a SFH with washer/dryer, even though there is one… In my lease I stipulate tenant is responsible for furnishing washer/dryer. I provide one out of courtesy but if it breaks, that tenant needs to use his own…

That said, a basic dryer is like $200-300… Probably not worth arguing over, especially if the tenant is “nice”. I’d just replace it and get an extended warranty on it to cover your future repair costs (though a very basic washer/dryer shouldn’t really be proned to failure…Just make sure you get a no frills dryer, preferably one with NO digital display/buttons, but instead one that has only a manual knob, and one with the fewest cycles/speeds/features)….

Depending on the rental demand, if you really wanted to recoup the cost, you could probably jack up the rent next year anyway to cover the cost.

For next tenant lease, I would modify your lease agreement.

For an attached property, I would provide a washer/dryer, since imho it’s just different when it comes to a 1/2/3 condo/townhome…..

[Coronita]

Here you go… Ok, so you have to buy a dryer at the wrong time of the year with no sales… $300-400….

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Washers-Dryers-Dryers-Electric-Dryers/N-5yc1vZc3q1

http://www.sears.com/kenmore-6.5-cu-ft-electric-dryer-white/p-02661402000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

or….if gas…

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Washers-Dryers-Dryers-Gas-Dryers/N-5yc1vZc3o3

http://www.sears.com/kenmore-6.5-cu-ft-gas-dryer-white/p-02671402000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

[SK in CV]

The original lease term expired. More likely than not, there’s a clause that says that at the end of the original lease term, unless terminated by either party, it extends on a month-to-month basis on the same terms and conditions. So if you were responsible during the original lease term, you’re still responsible.

[spdrun]

Buy dryer on Craigslist for $50 — WIN!

[Coronita]

[quote=SK in CV]The original lease term expired. More likely than not, there’s a clause that says that at the end of the original lease term, unless terminated by either party, it extends on a month-to-month basis on the same terms and conditions. So if you were responsible during the original lease term, you’re still responsible.[/quote]

He can have a new term at the next month 🙂 But imho not worth the hassle over a dryer.

[livinincali]

[quote=spdrun]Buy dryer on Craigslist for $50 — WIN![/quote]

+1

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