Air Conditioner - Landlord Questions

My tenant lives on our third floor. We rented the apartment to her with no AC, and I made it clear she would need to buy one if she wanted it. So I know I’m under no obligation to do anything. Still, from a practical standpoint, I’d rather install the AC myself than have it come crashing down on my head one day. But then when she moves out, I’ve got to deal with uninstalling it, or buying it from her, or whatever. And thats’ my question, I guess…what’s standard protocol on this? Can I install the units, which she buys, and pay her for them when she leaves, minus say 20% depreciation per year? Any experience in this matter would be much appreciated.

DouglasAlan

in Landlord 12 years and 11 months ago

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mab | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Regardless of whoever purchases the AC unit, do not — repeat — do not allow the tenant to install the unit herself or by a friend.  If you are sufficiently confident to install it yourself, fine, or have your tenant get it installed professionally.  You don’t want to fool around with an inadequate installation and  a potentially serious accident.  I wouldn’t bother myself with the AC staying or going when the tenant eventually leaves.  Your most important issue is proper installation.

Bklnite | 12 years and 11 months ago

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I think novice44’s experience is pretty typical and renters don’t expect landlords to provide an AC or buy it from them when they leave. To the posters saying “just buy and install the AC for the tenant” … that’s fine if you want to do that. And why not get them a nice flat screen TV and offer to do their laundry too?

backeast | 12 years and 11 months ago

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I’ve never been a landlord but I’ve been a tenant in about 5 apartments in Brooklyn (mostly very small buildings), and I’ve never had my landlord offer to buy or install my a/c.   I’ve sold my a/c’s to new tenants when I’ve moved out of places, but never to my landlord.  I have either installed them myself or paid for an installation.  I think it’s reasonable to open the conversation with your tenant and ask what she plans to do, and if it’s a large a/c unit and you are concerned about it falling out, then help her with the installation if she is not planning to have it installed professionally.  Hope that helps.   Oh and yeah for installation you can put 2×4’s on the windowsill to keep it relatively level, and attach it to the bottom of the windoframe with screws so the window can’t open any further.

Silvermax | 12 years and 11 months ago

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A/C related query: My tenants have a/c units one above the other, and they drip drip drip onto the deck right outside our bedroom window. I plan to run a tube from the 2nd-fl unit to the deck, but would love to be able to do same with top unit as well, have it T into the 2nd floor tubing in some way, so I just run one tube down. Anyone done this? Where did you find the T? Also, on installation: we created a block for units to rest on, and then put in stopper block on inside of window from top of unit to top of window so no one accidentally opens the window. It seems pretty sturdy.

DouglasAlan | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Anotherposter, that hits on something I was wondering about. We don’t actually install the AC’s in our house because if they slip out, they’ll tilt back less than an inch and rest on the window gate. That way, we can take them out in the winter. The tenant’s windows, on the other hand, have no guards so it’s a 20’+ fall. And yeah, she might want to buy something she takes with her when she eventually moves. I’ll probably ask the tenant how she wants to handle it , but I’d like my head filled with as many ideas (and possible reprocutions) as possible before we discuss it. Please keep the ideas and experiences coming. Thanks!

anotherposter | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Unless the unit she wants is incredibly huge, couldn’t you just put some L brackets outside the window to add support to whatever unit she buys?  In my years of renting, we liked being in charge of our a/c so we could buy the size/brand we wanted and could take it in and out of the window as we liked.  If a LL had offered to put in some supports to make it easier to just stick it in the window, I would have appreciated that.  I’ve never actually attached one to the window frame with the included parts for doing so.

DouglasAlan | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Yeah, bpie, I could be overthinking this. I’m just trying to figure a way to not spend $400-500 on two units.

eme1million | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Rick, I am guessing you must have a 20 or 30 unit building. Otherwise you are being penny wise and pound foolish, and petty as well.  If you have 6 units or less, and this is a good tenant – buy and install the AC today! What are talking here – $300-500.  What is the monthly rent?     Are you really going to calcucate depreciation on a window AC unit!  The 1970’s are calling and they want their building back!

bpie | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Wouldn’t it be easier just to buy it, install it, and keep it when she leaves?  How much can an air conditioner cost??

Rick | 12 years and 11 months ago

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My tenants have small units. If they are not handy I install their AC for them.  If it’s a really large unit and your tenant is buying a new one, perhaps she can have an installer do it right. Many stores provide this service. When she leaves the space she can take it with her or leave it behind. You can decide if you want the A/C at that time.