During a showing of our new apartment, the stove & dishwasher don't work - How should we handle the lease?

Question

Hello,

My husband and I are in the process of leasing a wonderful brownstone townhouse. We're very excited about the place and the landlords are a married couple who seem like great people. We live in Ohio, if that'll help.

The one problem is that the current tenant told us (while waiting for the landlord to show up for the showing) that the dishwasher recently broke and that the stove probably needs to be replaced. The current tenant said that it was a recent problem and that the landlords were very competent and responsive in general and that it "shouldn't be a problem for us".

While showing the apartment, we asked about it, and the landlord said "Oh yes we'll get all that fixed before you move in".

I was burned in college by a landlord who told me to make a list of broken or damaged things about the apartment when I moved in, and then KEPT my deposit for those same reasons! So I hesitate to make a verbal agreement this time around.

Can anyone suggest how I might go about guaranteeing myself a fixed dishwasher and stove?

Can I add a clause, as a lessee, stating that the stove & dishwasher must be fixed or replaced by X-date or X-dollars will be witheld from rent until such time as they are fixed?

Or should we just move in and see if it'll even be a problem first?

Thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

well, the former tenant gave the landlords good praise, and so there should not be a reason to doubt them. If you are worried, call them back and let them know that you are concerned. Between you, you should be able to come up with something that will help you to be comfortable with it.

Answer 2

You should inspect dishwasher and stove while MOVE IN inspection is in progress, if there is problem with stove or dishwasher, note this on inspection sheet, you and landlord both sign MOVE IN sheet and date it, also make note when repairs or replacement will be completed.

Answer 3

Get an agreement in writing before you move in, both my children have been burned by supposedly great landlords.  All kinds of oral promises before the lease was signed & none of them kept after.One was even told wind damage to the house after a tornado was her expense to fix & not his, need less to say she moved at the first oppurtunity but he still kept her $800 dollar deposit for damages ocurred during her occupancy. If not willing to put promises on paper  move on

Answer 4

Just don't sign the lease until you see that the work has been done.  SURE protection.