Renters did something without our permission?

Question

OK, the house payment on our rental is $850, we charge $950 to cover expenses.
We got a call last week that the AC went out so we sent someone to fix it. They just said they had no idea why it stopped.It cost $140, so we actually lost money this month.Well, our renter came by to drop off the rent and she brought the reciept for us.

After she left I was looking it over and the WHOLE REASON the AC stopped working was because the renter changed out the thermostat without our permission and had it improperly wired.
So what do we do. Obviously we are paying this month, but my husband and I are wondering if we need to address this since A) it was without our permission and B) it cost us $140. Not ask them for the money or anything, just maybe address that any electrical work or changes to the property should be met with our approval?

These people are super nice, but I am really [irked] right now

Answer 1

It sounds like you're right on target. If you're generally pleased with your tenants, I wouldn't rock the boat, either. However, I completely agree with you that a conversation is in order regarding what the tenant is and is not allowed to do to the property. Make sure that your lease is clear on this issue, too, just to avoid any future hassles.

Answer 2

Most leases would state any electrical or structural changes must be approved first by management. But if this isn't stated anywhere, they kind of have "free will".
What I would do; write them a letter and kindly state that you appreciate their efforts to fix up the home to their liking, also add that they are appreciated as great residents. State somewhere in the letter that the above changes aren't permitted unless they have permission from you. (Then have it added to your lease, and have them sign a new one)
I believe they would understand where your coming from.
I wouldn't make them pay for the extra cost, it could result in an adverse action on either part. You could write it off as an improvement at the end of the year(but it might not be enough money to do that)
Being a landlord for 15 years has shown me that being nice (even super nice) but strict has earned more respect than being rude. And rude landlords usually have very high turnover and the cost to go with it. $140 is nothing compared to getting the home painted inside and carpets cleaned.

I hope this helps you out and feel free to ask any questions, I am available via email
S

Answer 3

It sounds like they thought that they were doing something to improve the property, but they definitely overstepped the bounds doing it. I know that when I was renting, my landlady made it very clear from the start that any changes bigger than changing out light bulbs, etc were to be run by her first.

I'd suggest that you sit down with them and make it very clear exactly what the limits on their ability to change things is. For example, if they want to paint the walls, that might be fine as long as they're willing to change it back when they leave, but if they want to change out the carpet you need to approve it, and if they want to change out anything to do with plumbing or electrical, it has to be done by someone you hire so you know it gets done right. Point out that the AC problem is exactly why you need to have things done professionally - it wound up costing you money to fix their mistake, and things could have been much worse if, say, they'd managed to cause a fire in the electrical system because of their mistake.

Answer 4

It sounds like most of these other answers are right on. As a landlord myself I know the importance of people who pay their rent on time. In order to avoid this problem in the future make sure that these kind of things are in the lease. Make a clear repair clause about what the LL is responsible for (and instances where if caused by TT the LL can be reimbursed).
That wayif this happens with a problem tenant at least you can evict them

Answer 5

draw up an addendum to the lease. absorb the cost this month since it was not stated. if u draw up an addendum and get them to sign it they will be responsible for future costs of electrical repairs. Have it state the leasee cannot make any changes to the electric, etc without consent with landlord both verbal and written. If they violate these terms and are found to be the culprit of the problem they will be held liable for the cost of repairs. I say speak to them first ask them to sign an addendum to the lease and move on. Let this be a learning experience.

Answer 6

No Ma'am....24 hrs observe could desire to, by regulation, take transport of to tenants that are nevertheless living in an area of living this is up for reassignment....it rather is fairly not a grey area, it fairly is amazingly sparkling....and Landlords that fail to accomplish that could properly be further earlier a Landlord/Tenant tribunal panel and the offending Landlord could desire to a minimum of could desire to remit back to the shifting tenants 3 months of lease won by the owner. so which you spot it fairly is a grievous offense by the owner and is appeared upon as a severe be counted by the governing bodies that oversee the rights of the two Tenant and Landlord.

Answer 7

Just talk to them about it okay and make it very clear that any work on the property dwellings and otherwise should be cleared with you before anything like this happens again . I am sure they will appreciate the fact that you are not charging them for this . good luck .

Answer 8

Be upfront. Tell them not to rewire or make changes because of the electrical demands on the fuse box or whatever. Say it could be a fire hazard if outlets are overloaded.

Answer 9

You should definitely say something. You aren't responsible to pay for something that they f'd up. Definitely tell them that they need to consult you first. It's REALLY nice of you to pay for it this time so tell them: "We'll pay for it THIS time but if something like this happens again we're going to have to ask you to cover it...just let us know first and we'll handle it"....that sort of thing. I'd be irked too. Wow.

Answer 10

Stacey was correct all my lease's state they are not to do anything without my permission. Dont know how many units you have but as barney fife us to say. nip it nip it in the bud, now.