Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? - Landlord Forum thread 222023

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by ERIC on April 22, 2011 @09:45

Without knowing what state you are in, and what the expected temps are, it's tough to say. In MN, we have yet to get above 60 degrees for 2011. Most days, we still don't get to 50, and I had a tenant complain about the A/C two weeks ago.

It is legal to wait until next Tuesday, but is a recharge going to fix it? It may be a relay or a bad compressor. Or a bad leak. Maybe that will take another week.

Talk to your tenants. Explain the situation, if they are reasonable tenants it should not be an issue. Bring over a fan if needed.

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Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by eloisa (sc) on April 22, 2011 @10:20	[ Reply ]

All the rooms in the property have fans but its 79 right now and I'm sure it will get to the 80's not to mention its humid too {yuck}. My reason to be hesitant is because we did almost get ripped off by another company {wanted to replace the entire unit when it was a year {almost to the day} old when all it needed was a new fan. So, see why I'm concerned about contacting someone else? The tenant works in construction and knows someone who can come today. My hubby is not fond of the idea though. I asked them to tell me what the visit fee would be and who it is so I can decide. I know first hand how much not having ac for a few days is, but I'm not willing to get ripped off over it either. So, as long as I'm not breaking the law, I think its ok.

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by Anonymous on April 22, 2011 @10:42	[ Reply ]

Since you have an idea of what the problem is, I think it's less likely you'll get ripped off. Maybe have your husband deal with it? I'm sure it goes without saying that a lot of people see women as easier to rip off and will more readily take advantage of them than a man. Sucks, but true.

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by eloisa (sc) on April 22, 2011 @11:16	[ Reply ]

Agree! Yup...all his now lol Thanks!

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by MassLL (MA) on April 22, 2011 @14:35	[ Reply ]

You should check your local laws just so your know what they are. Even if the laws don't specify # of days to repair, try to find out general guidelines. E.g. Mass laws are 5 working days to repair a health or safety issue; 30 days for other repairs. From Oct -April, heat is considered a health issue. I give tenant's electric heaters in case someone's heat goes out. Maybe you could pick up an AC window unit to have when the central air goes out??

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair? by Anonymous on April 22, 2011 @14:42	[ Reply ]

I agree, I do the same too. Just Monday I had an AC go out. It was 102 outside! I was not going to let the tenant without ac. I have 2 window units for just in case reasons. I put the window unit in and on tuesday morning my tech went out and fixed the problem.

Re: acceptable time-frame for hvac repair?