I have a small rental house and recently the furnace broke down. To fix it costs $5,300 as it has to be dug out from under the house. I will fix the heater but am still working on getting the money together. In the meantime I have brought the renters four space heaters, plus fire wood. Today after bringing them firewood, I got a phone call from them which was upsetting. They are angry that I didn't brought them a full cord of wood and that they are freezing their asses off. . I asked them if they are using the space heaters and they said, "Yes, but that it's expensive." I explained that running the gas furnace (if it were working) would be even more expensive since gas is out of sight these days. I also told them that I will keep bringing wood to them as they need it. So, anyway they yelled at me and have threatened to call the Landlord Tenant Hotline, plus move out.
2007-01-02 08:52:29 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Our lease states that the tenants will be responsible for utilities except for water and trash removal.
2007-01-02 09:04:41 · update #1
I know that In California, by law the landlord has to provide a worker heater. Keep your proof of purchse of the space heaters, and firewood. You went and bought that stuff for them until you can replace the furnace, so it shows youve made an attempt to correct the problem of the broken furnace.
It is their fault for freezing their as*s off for not using the space heaters.
2007-01-02 09:15:38 · answer #1 · answered by ►►BLOGGER◄◄ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heat is a necessity in housing. If you do not provide heat your tenants may move out. It is called a constructive eviction. Their argument would be that they basically have been evicted from the home because the home does not have the basic necessities. I do not know the law where you live but it seems that space heaters and wood is not enough. When they moved in there was a working furnace and now there is not and it is winter. You should get the furnace repaired ASAP. Sorry for the bad news.
2007-01-02 09:39:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess it depends on what kind of heat you told them they would have when they moved in... I have been a landlord for 7 years...
I would personally be scared of a wood stove or fireplace, I have never used one before and wouldnt start now. They may be right about the electric heaters costing more to use as well. I think you should fix the gas furnace immediatly. They may be able to sue or have their rent put in escrow or even break the lease- read your Lease. What does it say?
2007-01-02 08:57:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are required by law to provide a source of heat for them. It sounds like the space heaters (can be fire hazards) took care of that, if they are adequate to heat the place. The firewood is a bonus on top of that (they weren't used to getting free gas for the other heater?). They will probably be doing you a favor by moving out. Are there other issues that you did not tell us about? If not, they should not have any legitimate claims against you. Encourage them to move...it will be easier to do the work needed with a vacant house. Clean the place up, and find some decent tenants. Good luck!
2007-01-02 09:02:29 · answer #4 · answered by Peachfish Whiskerbiscuit 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What a doosey of a predicament for both sides. Well, in a nut shell I have to say yes they are being unreasonable since it seems that you are doing everything you can think of for them. You've provided the space heaters and if they choose not to use them that is their own concern. Try to ease their stress by reassuring them that you have their best interests at heart and are doing all you can for them. These people are expecting you to fix it today like you have a money tree in your back yard so you also need to inform them that this is a very big and expensive job. But do get this done within a reasonable time frame. DO NOT explain that you have no money or anything like that. Because you should always be prepared for an emergency.. Most of us are not prepared however and this causes a predicament like the one your having now. Make your comments simple and polite. Continue to bring wood and invite them for a homemade dinner one night at your house. You could also bring over some extra blankets.... they should be appreciate and this will hopefully remedy your problem.
2007-01-02 09:05:56 · answer #5 · answered by Leash 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I think that the renters are being way unreasonable!! You are doing all that you can do in your situation, and if they dont understand then let them leave!! If they want to call Landlord tenant board, then let thhem. The board will also see that you are doing all you can and will side with you. Dont worry about the tenants any more than you are now, keep getting them wood when needed, and get the furnace fixed as soon as you have the money. Really, what more can you do for them? And, you could always call the Landlord Tenant Hotline yourself and explain the situation to them first, that way you have also covered your a** with the board by being honest about the problem with them. Good luck with your situation!!
2007-01-02 09:00:03 · answer #6 · answered by dragondave187 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
No, they are not being unreasonable. If you check your local landlord/tenant laws you will find out that you have to provide them with working utilities, including heat, water and sanitation. Besides wood can cause carbon monoxide problems along with having too much humidity in the house. If the heaters are kerosene they need to be properly vented.
2007-01-02 08:57:34 · answer #7 · answered by kny390 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what the weather is. If it is freezing space heaters can only warm a certain amount of space as well as a fireplace. This is a big inconvenience for all involved, and you should really try to give them some kind of time frame as to when the situation will be rectified. But on the same note they are adults and you have supplied them with very reasonable temporary solutions and should not have to do it all. Reassure them that you will reimburse them for any wood they need to purchase outside of what you have delivered them. And unless there seems to be some situation of this kind arising often this is no reason for you to feel obligated to let them out of their lease.
2007-01-02 09:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by Southern_Girl 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are not being unreasonable. As a landlord you should have an emergency account or credit card to take care of things like a broken furnace in the winter.
2007-01-02 08:56:35 · answer #9 · answered by mystery_me 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are being unreasonable and so long as the heaters and wood were provided to them quickly, you have nothing to fear from Landlord/Tenant issues.
Keep a calendar of events for this, the day and time they notified you of the problem, the day and time you provided alternative heat. Even take notes on your conversations with them as soon as you have a chance to write it down. If they end up causing a problem for you these records will prove invaluable because it is so easy to forget things.
It sounds to me like you are doing your best to take care of the immediate problem and are working on resolving the heater issue. It's not like you can wave a magic wand or anything...
2007-01-02 08:59:27 · answer #10 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋