Help please, new tenants have just moved in ..

rsta

... And want me to replace two items already.

Firstly they are not happy i don't have a power shower. It is a regular shower head and hose attached to the bath taps. Which they saw when they came to view the house.

Secondly, they want the microwave replaced as it doesn't have a defrost function .

They have just moved in a few days ago.

Where do i stand on this? Do I have to pay for both these items in full? Or do they pay for them? Or do we split the cost?

Also both items are on the inventory, does that make me liable to replace them if the tenant doesn't like them?

Thanks

solerina

your under no obligation to replace either, if they dont like them thats their problem, as long as both are in working order you dont need to change them !!!
they are just being fussy !!

rsta

solerina wrote: »

your under no obligation to replace either, if they dont like them thats their problem, as long as both are in working order you dont need to change them !!!
they are just being fussy !!

Thanks for the quick reply!
What should I say to them? I don't want them to turn nasty on me...!

lukesmom

Just explain that there is nothing wrong with both the shower and the microwave therefore they don't need replacing.

Corkbah

you could offer to split the cost with them - if they really want them upgraded.

you could explain to them that they moved in with that stuff there and should have asked for it to be changed before they moved in - if they really wanted it changed.

Sadderday

they are in working order so no.
if they dont like them, their problem

mickdw

As I one off I would probably consider getting a new microwave at small cost and draw a line under it after that apart from genuine issues.

rsta

Thank everyone.
I hope they are not going to be trouble!
I don't mind going half on the microwave, so il suggest that if they push it.

If they want the shower done they'll have to pay for that themselves.

RUSTEDCORE

rsta wrote: »

... And want me to replace two items already.

Firstly they are not happy i don't have a power shower. It is a regular shower head and hose attached to the bath taps. Which they saw when they came to view the house.

Secondly, they want the microwave replaced as it doesn't have a defrost function .

They have just moved in a few days ago.

Where do i stand on this? Do I have to pay for both these items in full? Or do they pay for them? Or do we split the cost?

Also both items are on the inventory, does that make me liable to replace them if the tenant doesn't like them?

Thanks

I suggest you tell them that they can cancel the contract and move out immediately if they wish or accept the agreed upon conditions... though in fairness that shower is almost taking the piss as much as them asking for a new microwave.

Sadderday

Had a tenant in that was like that at the start but turned out grand... just settling in, ya might be alright with them

D3PO

seriously they need to be told to go jump.

They viewed the place they saw what was there tough sh1t. If they want a new microwave or a power shower let them get them at their own expense.

If you concede on one or both of these all your going to have is these pain in the ass tenants annoying you over and over and over about crap that they have no right for.

Sadderday

don't be tempted to get a power shower for these now though...

Thats a big enough ask, you should say no to that, they knew there wasn't one there when they viewed.

rsta

D3PO wrote: »

seriously they need to be told to go jump.

They viewed the place they saw what was there tough sh1t. If they want a new microwave or a power shower let them get them at their own expense.

If you concede on one or both of these all your going to have is these pain in the ass tenants annoying you over and over and over about crap that they have no right for.

That's what im afraid of, they know im new at being a landlord. If i concede then i might look like a soft touch.

GoodisonPark

Power Shower would cost a few euro.
I put one in a few months ago.
Unit set me back €350 then I had to pay a plumber and an electrician to install it. You are looking at €500 - €600 if you decide to get one.

valleyoftheunos

they saw both of these items when they viewed the place, they can't ask you to change them now. Explain to them that you won't be replacing or changing any goods that aren't faulty.

howamidifferent

valleyoftheunos wrote: »

they saw both of these items when they viewed the place, they can't ask you to change them now. Explain to them that you won't be replacing or changing any goods that aren't faulty.

Next thing then will be the shower will "go" faulty... :pac:

rsta

howamidifferent wrote: »

Next thing then will be the shower will "go" faulty... :pac:

Noooo!

ameee

It would be very easy to miss a microwave not having a defrost option I didnt even know they came without that option so maybe offer to go halves on it. That being said I rented three different places over the years and only one ever came with a microwave and even then I put it away in a press as I had my own. As for the power shower if it was that important to them to have one they should have checked or even discussed it with you before moving in I wouldnt pay for it if I was you.

by the seaside

howamidifferent wrote: »

Next thing then will be the shower will "go" faulty... :pac:

Maybe it will leak all over the microwave.

djimi

I wouldnt go halves on anything for them; it sets a bad precedent for the future. Neither of these issues are in any way your problem; they viewed the house, its up to them to look for this kind of thing before they move in.

If the shower does magically break then you will be replacing it with like for like. Converting to a power shower is going to cost you a lot of money, and depending on the type of property (ie an apartment) it might not actually be possible at all.

noodler

I think you should consider getting a power shower for the future.

I really wouldn't consider a place I was sharing without one.

Obviously though they accepted the apartment as is.

How did they phrase their power shower question? Did they say there was an issue with the old one or just that they want one?

valleyoftheunos

Incidentally OP if you are new to all this and aren't sure about what you are and aren't obliged to do you need to do a little homework for your own sake.

Start with the PRTB website, and their FAQ

the Irish property owners association will probably also be able to give you good information.

You also need to read and understand the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, it sets out a number of your obligations and those of the tenant. importantly it also contains the notice periods and circumstances necessary if you want/need to remove tenants from your property.

the PRTB used to do a really good leaflet on it but I can't find a link to it.

Best of luck!

D3PO

noodler wrote: »

I think you should consider getting a power shower for the future.

I really wouldn't consider a place I was sharing without one.

Obviously though they accepted the apartment as is.

How did they phrase their power shower question? Did they say there was an issue with the old one or just that they want one?

why should he consider getting one ? He rented it fine as it was. Just because they have decided they want one isn't a reason to buy one. Renting out a property is a business you to spend money on unneeded items would be foolish.

if he has a vacant rental and cant fill it then maybe but that's not the case. They are taking the piss and no way should he change either.

petersburg2002

If it was something essential like a broken washing machine or broken light, then yes no problem. But they are chancing their arm. Tell them where to go.

Potatoeman

Telling them no will also cause problems. If I get that from a landlord, I
Would be far less likley to fix anything myself. How much is the rent? That is a factor too.
Landlords that dont invest im their property lose tenants. If you go halves, who owns it?

Conmar

As long as they don't get the idea to "make them faulty".....I agree with previous posts, they knew there wasn't a power shower before they moved in, so I wouldn't change it for them

valleyoftheunos wrote: »

they saw both of these items when they viewed the place, they can't ask you to change them now. Explain to them that you won't be replacing or changing any goods that aren't faulty.

djimi

noodler wrote: »

I think you should consider getting a power shower for the future.

I really wouldn't consider a place I was sharing without one.

It really wouldnt be an issue for most people. Id love to have one in my current place, but its not a dealbreaker. I think the OP would be foolish to spend what will most likely work out to be a fair bit of money on something that they are not obliged to replace, and will most likely add little/no value to the rental property.

wolfpawnat

I cannot see how a microwave not having a defrost option is a reason to buy a new one!

As for the power shower, loads of properties do not have facility. I have rented four homes, I only had one in 1 of them!

Sounds like they are being contrary.

valleyoftheunos

noodler wrote: »

I think you should consider getting a power shower for the future.

I really wouldn't consider a place I was sharing without one.

Obviously though they accepted the apartment as is.

How did they phrase their power shower question? Did they say there was an issue with the old one or just that they want one?

Lots of apartment blocks don't need powershowers as there is tonnes of water pressure in the system anyway.

desbrook

I think its very telling that not a single poster here backed your tenants to any degree . The reason is simple they haven't got a leg to stand on !!!!! As another poster has stated do not even mention the word faulty - you are almost encouraging them to say the shower or microwave are .

(As an aside - there really is no such thing as a "defrost " function on a microwave . If you set to to 30% power it is just the right strength to defrost but I digress ! )

Ask them in a very suprised voice are they trying to say "there was a different shower or microwave there when they came to view ?" . KEEP ASKING THE QUESTION until you get a no . "Well then" you can say "they form part of your contract" . You could be really smart and say " the flat is in Rathmines would you like me to change that too ? " but that's last resort !!!

Ray Palmer

desbrook wrote: »

(As an aside - there really is no such thing as a "defrost " function on a microwave . If you set to to 30% power it is just the right strength to defrost but I digress ! )
[\QUOTE]

No there is. You put in the weight and it calculates the time tells you to turn it starts again.

It is no way a deal breaker and is one of the most bizarre requests I have heard of.

The shower is a major expense and is just plain ridiculous. Such showers are really not good for renting as they always get broken. Every single one I have had in a rented places is now gone for that very reason. People seem to love to turn the knobs the wrong way for some reason.

People suggesting going half on this stuff are at least partially saying it is ok to ask. There is absolutely no reason to do what they asked.

Politely say they saw the place before hand and that you find their requests unreasonable.

AnonoBoy

They can ask all they want but you're under no obligation to give in.

The shower was there when they saw the place, you didn't tell them it was a power shower so definitely don't feel obliged to get one for them now.

They're just chancing their arm.

Pawwed Rig

If you're worried about upsetting them just tell them you can't afford it. There is no obligation for you as everyone has said already.

A defrost function? I have one of those. We call it leaving the item on the counter until the frozeness magically disappears.

Most importantly please follow valleyoftheunos advice in the post below.

the_syco

This early into the lease, I'd view it as a test, tbh, to see what they can get away with. Next it could be the TV, the mattresses, etc. You cave in this early, and it'll be a costly lesson for you!

the world wonders

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

A defrost function? I have one of those. We call it leaving the item on the counter until the frozeness magically disappears.

Seriously don't do this, that's how food poisoning happens. Defrost stuff in the fridge.

Grolschevik

the world wonders wrote: »

Seriously don't do this, that's how food poisoning happens. Defrost stuff in the fridge.

Jaysus, I must be dead now, so!

by the seaside

Remove the freezer. Then they won't need the defrost function.

murphaph

howamidifferent wrote: »

Next thing then will be the shower will "go" faulty... :pac:

...and if it does he just replaces the existing hose and shower head for 20 quid.

These people saw and agreed to take the place. Replace nothing.

dee_mc

I would tell them politely that they should buy their own microwave if they're not happy with the one in the house; I've bought a Tesco value microwave in the past which had a defrost setting and it cost 35 or 40 euro, not a massive outlay for them if it's such an essential in their minds, really feel these tenants are chancing their arm!
As for the power shower issue, maybe if they are likely to be long term tenants you might consider installing one, I would say to them that if they are still living there in 6 months or a year's time, and are committing to stay on for a further 6 months or a year, that you would then agree to install a power shower: the only reason I suggest this is that as a tenant I myself would be more inclined to rent a place with a decent shower, although it'd never occur to me to put pressure on the landlord to install one! Having said that, you're under no obligation to install one just because their standards have suddenly changed since they viewed the place!
Good luck, they sound like fun!

whiteandlight

I'm not supporting the tenants in any way here as the shower should have been raised at time of rental but if the OP is talking about a shower from the old plastic hose that you stick over the taps I would argue that is extremely old fashioned and I would definitely consider upgrading even to a tap with a switch to the shower.

Having said that I just wouldn't have rented the house

athtrasna

Ray Palmer wrote: »

The shower is a major expense and is just plain ridiculous. Such showers are really not good for renting as they always get broken. Every single one I have had in a rented places is now gone for that very reason. People seem to love to turn the knobs the wrong way for some reason.

This!! The current shower will cost a few euro to replace. Any break in a power shower will involve a plumber/electrician and could leave them without a functioning shower for a day or more. You would be crazy to consider installing a power shower IMO

whiteandlight

athtrasna wrote: »

This!! The current shower will cost a few euro to replace. Any break in a power shower will involve a plumber/electrician and could leave them without a functioning shower for a day or more. You would be crazy to consider installing a power shower IMO

I have rented for 8 years in various properties all with electric showers. There's had never been a breakdown in that time. The only maintenance needed was to stick a pin in the head and soak it every now to avoid build up

Duckjob

Agree with the general consensus. Having an issue with no power shower is fair enough, but the time for them to raise the issue is at the viewing stage, and they could try to negotiate on the rent or come to some other arrangement. Then, you either reach agreement or you don't - and everyones happy.

Need to nip this in the bud here because they sound very high-maintenance and if you accede to them on this you'll no doubt open the floodgates to all sorts of ridiculous demands.

dee_mc wrote: »

I've bought a Tesco value microwave in the past which had a defrost setting and it cost 35 or 40 euro, not a massive outlay for them

I wouldn't touch Tesco microwaves with a bargepole - my mum bought one and it broke in less than 2 mths - brought it back and got a reaplacement and the replacement went kaput in another 2 mths ! Worthless rubbish.

dee_mc

Duckjob wrote: »

Agree with the general consensus. Having an issue with no power shower is fair enough, but the time for them to raise the issue is at the viewing stage, and they could try to negotiate on the rent or come to some other arrangement. Then, you either reach agreement or you don't - and everyones happy.

Need to nip this in the bud here because they sound very high-maintenance and if you accede to them on this you'll no doubt open the floodgates to all sorts of ridiculous demands.



I wouldn't touch Tesco microwaves with a bargepole - my mum bought one and it broke in less than 2 mths - brought it back and got a reaplacement and the replacement went kaput in another 2 mths ! Worthless rubbish.

My Tesco microwave worked out quite well, never had a problem with it! Anyway my main point was you can buy a decent microwave very cheaply, the likes of Argos often have them for half price etc, and the tenants are taking the mick looking for an item like that

Duckjob

Agree. OP should replace the tenants if replacing anything.

frogstar

It amazes me sometimes what tenants request

My current tenant (who is lovely and a good tenant ) calls me each time a light bulb goes for me to replace. I live close by so not really an issue as she has been there two years with no issue.

Re the microwave, get them to buy their own and you keep the one thats there for your next lot

If your shower is one of those crappy ones over the bath then I would consider getting at least an electric one. They may not have noticed at the time they viewed. Think of it as an investment. For me it would be a dealbreaker and may not renew the lease. But I would have hoped to notice before signing lease

hmmm

Did they say "we want this or we're off", or was it just in passing as something to consider? Because I'd be guilty of the latter as a tenant and it's not unusual when settling into a new place - you miss stuff at viewings that only become obvious when you've lived in a place for a while. If it's the former, they sound like trouble to me I'm afraid.

fasttalkerchat

I learned the hard way to always test the shower before signing anything!
I no longer stay in B&Bs because I got one of those pressure-less mains ones with no pump fitted. I left freezing cold and drowsy at 7am slamming doors behind me.

About the shower, you can't really expect a tenant to buy the shower. Even if they were willing to, its going to leave a mess if they take it with them.

fasttalkerchat

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

If you're worried about upsetting them just tell them you can't afford it.

If he can't afford it what is he doing with the money they pay him. Saying he can't afford it would be accepting that he should do the work. They will suggest that they pay and let him repay them in instalments from the rent.

Pawwed Rig

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

If he can't afford it what is he doing with the money they pay him.

Paying his mortgage??

dee_mc

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Paying his mortgage??

Exactly, his income is his business! He doesn't owe them anything extra simply because they're paying rent :eek: