Timeline to replace a/c unit (rental, motel, tenants)

[Markley]

Recently the ac unit in our rental property went out. We scheduled a service call the day after we received word from the tenants the unit stopped working .. the technician could not get there until 2 days later and he determined that the entire system needed replaced. The earliest it can be done (it is the busy season) is a week from today, or about 10 days since it went out. After informing the tenants of this, they immediately stated that they could not wait that long and that they would have to go stay somewhere else. I am afraid that their next step is going to be asked to be compensated for the 7 days they will be staying somewhere else. would we have to compensate them? I feel that we have done everything as quickly as we could.any thoughts?

[BullCity75]

There are probably 100 HVAC companies in the area. How many have you contacted? It is busy obviously, considering the temps, but I would expect if you tried you could get it replaced within 24 hours.

That's the breaks with being a landlord. It is like being a parent, you aren't just responsible for yourself anymore. I would go ahead and offer them a refund on their rent until it is fixed.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Markley

the ac unit in our rental property went out... the technician 2 days to get there...
later determined that the entire system needed replaced.

That happens. Peak of the season. Still, get a second opinion on the diagnosis.
Curious... how old is this equipment that you describe as just all of a sudden like deciding to deep six itself?

The earliest it can be done (it is the busy season) is a week from today, or about 10 days since it went out.

Sounds about right.

After informing the tenants of this, they immediately stated that they could not wait that long and that they would have to go stay somewhere else.

not an unreasonable response.
Being sweaty for the first 24-48 maybe even 72 hours... that's life. More isn't.

I am afraid that their next step is going to be asked to be compensated for the 7 days they will be staying somewhere else.

Of course. It's not THEIR a/c that went out.

would we have to compensate them?

or just pay the motel bill,

I feel that we have done everything as quickly as we could.any thoughts?

see that first question I asked?
Curious... how old is this equipment?

My system is 22 years old and I KNOW that I'm on borrowed time with it.
Actually... just this morning I replaced the breaker in the disconnect and capacitor in the condensing unit.
Have my fingers crossed that it will all last until NEXT spring when I'm doing my planned basement remodel.

being a LL is a PITA.

[Markley]

Thanks for the replies..the unit is 16 years old, and is a goodman for whatever that's worth. I think we will get a second opinion, but the first guy was highly recommended by a friend who has dealt with him on a number of occasions. He said that the condenser(or compressor) was shot. He said we could probably string it along a little while longer if we replace it (but no guarantees). Also said the entire system is in pretty bad shape. We have had zero maintenance done for past 4 years.

[arbyunc]

16 years is a good lifetime for a residential unit. I don't think it would be worth doing a major repair on a unit that old.

And just to scold you a bit--4 years is a long time for no maintenance. You probably realize that now though, right?