If the heater goes out in my rental should I give tenants credit while awaiting the repair is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below
Dear Landlord Hank:
If the heater goes out in one of my rental units, and I begin getting quotes to repair but it takes a week or two (7-14 days) to receive quotes, approve one and have a heater installed, how many days credit should I give my residents for the habitability issue in their unit? -Marley
Dear Marley,
If the property was really uninhabitable due to cold then I would reimburse the tenants for the days it took for the repair to be completed, especially if you are getting multiple quotes, which is understandable for a major repair.
If you provided or if the tenants had space heaters and could remain comfortable that way then I wouldn’t do anything, unless they complain or ask, and then I would consider their request.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.
As a child, Hank Rossi sometimes helped his father take care of the family rental-maintenance business. In the mid-’90s he got into the rental business for himself. After he retired, he started a real-estate brokerage business with his sister that focuses on property management and leasing. Visit his website: https://rentsrq.com.
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