Tenant has a washing machine.
I just found out that my tenant who just moved in July has a washing machine in her apartment. I don’t think I specified no washing machines on her lease. What should I do. I did not say anything to her and her lease there is 10mths left on her lease.
I just found out that my tenant who just moved in July has a washing machine in her apartment. I don’t think I specified no washing machines on her lease. What should I do. I did not say anything to her and her lease there is 10mths left on her lease.
Make sure they have renters insurance and it is paid in full for year. Second make sure that the washing machine has a catch basin that goes underneath machine and can catch a few gallons of water if there are any accidents.
Look at water bills from year before to now and get fair difference.
Talk to the tenant. If you are paying the water bill I think it’s only fair to ask her to contribute to the bill since the washing machine uses quite a bit of water. I would also expect the tenant to have renter’s insurance (you should ask to see a copy of it) as a flood can cost you big bucks. If the tenant took it upon herself to bring in a big appliance she better have the proper things lined up to remedy any bad situations (i.e. floods) should they occur.
Why not just ask your tenant what the deal is? I agree with THL- it’s most likely a portable, and your tenant may not realize even a portable should have your permission first. Don’t write scenarios until you know more from the tenant. If she’s a good tenant, like you say, why let a misunderstanding cause problems?
Too many posters here want you to jump the gun and start poring over every tenet of the lease- talk first.Then you’ll know what you need to do.
My guess would be it’s probably a portable washing machine since I’m assuming a plumber that wouldn’t do a hard install in an apt. without the owners consent. The noise alone would be too big of a red flag.
That said, it wouldn’t be considered an alteration or installation. It’s just an appliance not unlike a microwave oven or a fridge.
You need to find out if it’s a portable unit or not.
As long as it’s not causing hard, what’s the problem? If it’s causing harm… make them remedy the situation.
I would also make sure they have renter’s insurance. Does your lease say they have to have it? If they flood the building – they’re insurance is probably (maybe) an easier way to collect damages than squeezing blood from a stone.
But seriously – if the washer isn’t causing harm or potential harm, what’s the fuss?
OP: Too many unknowns in your post, including the outcome you’re looking for, how you found out about the machine, and how you and the Tenant communicate in general. Have you looked at your copy of the lease to see what it specifies? Do you want the machine out, or is it okay to have, but you’re troubled that the tenant installed it without notice? Is it a full-size machine or a portable? Was there an existing hook-up, or did your tenant call in a plumber? The common Blumberg T-186 lease contains this clause: Alterations–Tenant must obtain Landlord’s prior written consent to install panelling, flooring, “built in” decorations, partitions, railings or make alterations or to paint or wallpaper the apartment. Tenant must not change the plumbing, ventilating, air conditioning, electric or heating systems. If consent is given, the alterations and installations shall become the property of the Landlord when completed and paid for, and shall remain with and as part of the Apartment at the end of the Term. Landlord has the right to demand that Tenant remove the alterations and installations before the end of the Term. The demand shall be by notice, given at least 15 days before the end of the Term. Landlord is not required to do or pay for any work unless stated in this Lease.
I would not be too quick to assume that the landlord has no recourse (although it may not be your best remedy). My guess is that the tenant would need authorization. While this is not legal advice, I suggest that the Landlord search the NYT real estate website which seems to have several articles on the subject of washing machines.
Unless you specified it wasn’t allowed you really can’t do much about it.
Besides, you need to consider if this is this a good tenant in general. You might want to wait this one out a bit see if she’s paying on time and is a “nice neighbor” in general.
Good tenants are pretty hard to find so it may be to your advantage to let this play out and renegotiate the rent based upon water usage once the lease comes up for renewal.
However, I agree you should make sure it’s properly installed.
…I assume you pay for water? If so, your tenant is getting a great deal…!