Glass top stove - Landlord Forum thread 356487

Glass top stove by Jen (Alabama) on March 19, 2018 @12:03

Tenants have been in the house two years and will be vacating end July.
The stainless glass top stop and SS fridge were brand new when they moved in. During routine maintenance checks I noticed they were not cleaning the stove. The granite counter tops adjacent to the stove also have dark stains from frying foods and not wiping grease off the counters. (They are routinely sealed but are light colored).

When I noticed the stove, I sent them a short video on how to properly clean the stove. Still the stove was not cleaned well.

Last next during my maintenance and while they were away for a week I went in and scrubbed the stove. It took considerable elbow grease but I got it clean, but there are white patches on the glass on two of the burners that I could not remove. I also cleaned the granite but could not get the dark patches out next to the stove.

I left detailed instructions on how to clean the stove as well as the granite on the counter top for them, although, judging from past experience I doubt they will follow them.

So,,,,,,,,,If the stove is damaged and dirty, what do I deduct for?

The new SS fridge also has a good size dent where it must have been flung open 180 degrees to hit the cabinet knob - do I deduct for that?
What would you do?

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Re: Glass top stove by Dave on March 19, 2018 @14:25	[ Reply ]

I would not have taken it upon myself to clean unless specifically given permission in writing in advance by tenants. Within very broad boundaries, housekeeping is tenant business,....NOT landlord business,...until it starts affecting neighbors,....or the grease REALLY presents a fire hazard. Filthy stoves are best cleaned with two great productts called greased lightning or crud cutter. Photo before and after. Your cleaning it in advance of vacating is probably going to be your gift to them. Judges view """tenant residue""" as a part of Landlording make ready and two year occupancy is mid range. I believe most Ll depreciate fridgerators on a five year schedule and door dings are really a part of normal w and t. More and more Ll are getting out of renting property with Anyang other than builtins That means no fridge or w d .or freestanding stoves. At most a filthy stove and surround is 75 to 150. Again,..its condition at vacate. Fridge ding is on you. Get the property turned over and re rented. That's the business you're in,......not maximizing security deposit deductions.

Re: Glass top stove by Anonymous on March 20, 2018 @05:49	[ Reply ]

That's why I seldom buy new stoves or fridge for a rental property. 2nd hand will work fine. And cheap Formica counters tops. Tenants don't care about your property.

Re: Glass top stove by ThirdStreet (FL) on March 22, 2018 @23:06	[ Reply ]

Dark patches in granite-I had a tenant who let liquid soap sit on a granite countertop and it soaked into the granite leaving a dark stain. We called the company that installed the top and they sent someone out for 60.00 to remove the stain. Using a high powered heat gun on and off the granite-the stain was lifted and the countertop was good as new. We charged the stain removal to the tenant.

Re: Glass top stove by Diana (NH) on April 27, 2018 @18:45	[ Reply ]

I can understand why you cleaned the glass top stove yourself. I have one in my rentals also. The fear is that if it is allowed to go too far, the surface will come off and you will go past the point of no return. This happens when there is no longer a coating to protect the surface. I would have given them advance notice and asked them to be there to review proper cleaning of the stove. You are taking steps to mitigate your damage so I get it. The problem is, will a judge think you went too far. These surfaces can be ruined very easily by failure to maintain the requisite coating and the build up of dirt can ruin the stove. In essence, the others who have written have a good point by stating that the tenants have the right to exclusive control and occupancy. That may cost them a stove if you can prove that they damaged it beyond normal wear and tear. In this regard, document, document, document! Good luck!