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My tenant is not satisfied with the size of the new stackable washer/dryer that I just bought to replace the old broken one.
She wants me to reduce her rent because it allegedly can't handle towels and bedding. She claims that, as a result, she is forced to take them to the laundromat. This is her argument for her rent reduction request of $150. Rent is $1,100. Her lease term is through August of this year. (3/2 townhouse with 1,400 sq. ft. and central AC in South Austin)
Incidentally, this is the third brand-new major appliance that I've had to replace this year. I really can't afford it. I work full-time and rent a place myself. I've already taken a big hit recently--and I even gave her a free month with the current lease term because I have appreciated her as a tenant for two 1/2 years.
Mostly venting. Thoughts?
Last edited by AguaDulce; 03-07-2015 at 04:36 PM..
Absolutely not. You provided a replacement and it's too bad that it doesn't suit her perfectly. All the stackable units I've used are perfectly capable of handling sheets and towels. They may not handle a mountain of them all together so she can do two loads instead of one. In my opinion her demand is ridiculous.
Is she asking for a $150 reduction per month? That would be a bit much!
The idea of the $25/mo reduction, then raising the rent to $1200 at the new lease term would be a solution. You would make the money back quickly. Are you charging market value for the apartment now? Would you be able to rent it for $1200 if your tenant decided to move?
I think ultimately you'd have to weigh the options if this tenant has been good otherwise.
I would not lower the rent $150 bucks. That's absurd. You are supplying the washer dryer by the terms of the lease. I would buy a extended warranty and if it breaks use that for repairs. Once the lease is up give her her notice and pull the W/D out. In the next lease do not include ANY appliances that you are not required by law to supply.
Are you below rent parity? Is she that good a tenant to drop $150 off rent price. I doubt it.
I would not lower the rent $150 bucks. That's absurd. You are supplying the washer dryer by the terms of the lease. I would buy a extended warranty and if it breaks use that for repairs. Once the lease is up give her her notice and pull the W/D out. In the next lease do not include ANY appliances that you are not required by law to supply.
Are you below rent parity? Is she that good a tenant to drop $150 off rent price. I doubt it.
She is paying market rate. But no more than that. I live in a $950 shanty on the eastside. It's way smaller and I don't have a dishwasher or a clothes dryer--I hang my laundry outside on the line.
I would buy a extended warranty and if it breaks use that for repairs. Once the lease is up give her her notice and pull the W/D out. In the next lease do not include ANY appliances that you are not required by law to supply.
I didn't buy the extended warranty as I've been advised against it.
As far as pulling out the w/d unit at the end of the lease, that's way more trouble for me than leaving it there and raising the rent for the next lease term. I would have to pay someone to deal with moving it out and putting it somewhere else.
Why aren't you living in the property you own instead of a "shanty"?
I decided that I'd rather live closer to my job so I can walk to work, rather that drive. And rents are much higher in the downtown Austin area, so I had to settle for a very modest abode. My rental property is 8 miles from the Capitol, where I work. I used to live in my rental--I even tried commuting by bike from there for awhile. Just got tired of relying on an automobile.
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