Responsibility of a Landlord – Repairs
I am amazed at the number of communications that I have from owners that don’t want to maintain their properties. This week there were 2 owners that were upset about having to replace a disposal that wasn’t working. We purchased and installed a new disposal as well as fixed other minor items for less than $200.00. What I wouldn’t do for such a small repair.
You see as landlords, it is our responsibility to provide a home in the same condition as it was when the property was leased. That means that if it had a disposal – it needs to be functioning. Also, we have to maintain the safety of the home.
This is one of the largest investments most of us will ever own. We are allowing another person to occupy it and in return, they pay our mortgage for us, plus provide us with some cash flow if we purchased it right. Yet, owners continually complain about the cost of repairs. It is a cost of doing business!
At SSPM have negotiated rates with companies due to the combined purchasing power of all our properties. Our rates are some of the lowest in the business. Because we are investors, we are very sensative to the cost of repairs and always ask ourselves, what would I do if this was my home and my repair.
Owners need to understand that repairs are the one claim a tenant can make against you in court not to pay their rent. In Georgia, it is the only way a tenant can legal occupy the property without paying rent. Now the burden of your not doing the repair will need to be proved, but why even provide that as an opening.
Sometimes owners want the tenants to do the repairs themselves. Let me ask you- would you want to hire a mechanic that doesn’t own a car to fix your car? I sure wouldn’t. I would want a professional who understands all the mechanics, who had the proper licenses, insurance, and education to do the work. I use that same mindset for my properties. I can’t trust that the tenant would do the job like i want it done. They might not have the skills, they could get hurt and then what?
As a property manager, I find that the number one complaint with owners is repairs. No matter how inexpensive they are. I can certainly understand that it comes at the wrong time – it does for everyone. So make sure that you have a small reserve to help during these time. It is also a good idea for when your tenant pays late.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I know what you mean. We get homeowners all the time complaining about repairs that tenants are requesting be made. Most of the time it is garbage disposals! I had one complain about repairing the A/C and in Vegas, you have to have an A/C that works or you will sweat to death!