Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave - Landlord Forum thread 249155

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by MrDan (Georgia) on February 26, 2012 @10:27

A simple solution would be to give the tenant a 'gift card' toward the purchase of a microwave (or other item) at a local store. That way the tenant can choose their microwave and pay the difference out of their own pocket. The landlord would not have any repair obligations, the tenant would be happy, and the tenant would know that they would have to come up with some money of their own for any future request.(which would politely be denied)

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Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by OK-LL on February 26, 2012 @10:42	[ Reply ]

"and the tenant would know that they would have to come up with some money of their own for any future request" How exactly does giving them money for their microwave demands convey to the tenant that you AREN'T going to acquiesce to every request? I must have missed that part.

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by MrDan (Georgia) on February 26, 2012 @10:51	[ Reply ]

Yes you did miss it! "(which would politely be denied)"

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Anna Mouse on February 26, 2012 @11:17	[ Reply ]

I couldn't agree more OK-LL. In fact I believe it will open you to more problems.

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Mary on February 26, 2012 @12:19	[ Reply ]

If you really think that it would open you to more problems, then what are these so called problems. Many Rental Properties often have concessions ranging from reduced rent for a period of time, to big screen TV's, free Gym memberships, Free car wash, etc. It's part of meeting the marketing demand. It seems many landlords are afraid to spend a few dollars to save more money in the long run. It's cheaper to have a satisfied tenant, this is a part of 'tenant retention' that landlords often fail to realize that affects the bottom line. If you feel that your tenant is going to be demanding all kinds of things because of this, then you are greatly over reacting, or perhaps you have chosen the wrong tenant to start with. Has any tenant ever demanded the landlord provide a toaster? Come on, you, the landlord should be able to say NO to the tenant, can't you?

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Mary on February 26, 2012 @12:24	[ Reply ]

Are you so paranoid that your tenants are going to request something from you, and you will not be able to say NO! It's easy, just say NO, when the tenant request something you do not do. Why get worked up over something that might not occur?

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Anonymous on February 26, 2012 @12:42	[ Reply ]

You sound like the only one getting "worked-up" here. Your other post regarding rental consessions is appreciated but those are terms understood prior to the lease being signed. This is a case where the tenant is asking for a consession after signing on the dotted line.

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Anonymous on February 26, 2012 @13:03	[ Reply ]

MrDan, I might go this route. I was originally thinking about offering a $50 rent credit but the gift card might come across as an even nicer gesture.

Re: Tenants asked me to buy them a microwave by Anonymous on February 26, 2012 @15:41	[ Reply ]

I would do $50 off their first month's rent. You give them $50 and they will probably spend it on something else. Or you give them a gift card to buy their own and it won't be from the store they wanted to buy it.