Re: Not Enough Hot Water - Landlord Forum thread 250342

Re: Not Enough Hot Water by NY-LL on March 11, 2012 @00:37

If this is a two-family property in which the landlord also resides, the hot water (luke warm water) would be noticeable to everyone living at the premises.

So if the landlord has hot water (second floor) and the tenant has luke warm water (first floor), why would there be need for a professional heat inspection?
(Maybe I am misunderstanding)

But to address your question ...
Both landlords and tenants can choose to do whatever suits their purpose for the moment. Yes, tenants can file municipal complaints and withhold the rent. Yes, landlords can dispute tenant complaints (with evidence) and file for eviction.

My recommendation would be to send a copy of the professional heat inspection to the tenant with a bill statement confirming the cost of the unwarranted service call. Depending on your intent (not tenants' actions) advise tenants to either (i) pay for the service call as "added rent" in accord with lease agreement or (ii) advise that the service call should be "added rent" but landlord deferred the costs until move-out. Either way, just take the upper hand as was done with the service call.

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Re: Not Enough Hot Water by Anonymous on March 11, 2012 @00:53	[ Reply ]

Sorry! There are two separate oil tanks. My family of three gets plenty of hot water and have a washing machine located in the kitchen. They don't have access to the basement where the furnace is located. We notified them in writing each month when their oil level is low. We were told recently by our oil company that they are on a automatic plan. Oil company comes out on a set date to fill their oil tank. Even though they set this up with the oil company we still notify them in writing when their oil is low.