Is it fair not to fix a garbage disposal for tenants?

Question

My tenants are asking for a new garbage disposal or food extractor the one that goes under the kitchen sink.

They are expensive to replace mainly because of the labor cost and I was told it takes two hours or labor.

I am considering not to have it fix and they can continue using the sink but just don't use the food extractor. Would that be fair.

In my kitchen I don't have one and it is really not a big deal not to have one.

Answer 1

If the house was rented with a working garbage disposal and it breaks, it needs to be repaired or replaced.

As a landlord, you are responsible for anything that just wears out in the house. You can't expect the renter to pay the full rent for a house that doesn't fully operate as it did when rented to them.

They are easy to replace. I have done quite a few.

Answer 2

I agree with the two people above, replace the thing.  It will cost you about $65 for a decent replacement, about $75 labor, and whoever told you it was going to take two hours of labor to replace a disposal is lying to you.  I've put in plenty of these before, 1 hour tops!!!

Go to Lowes or H.D. and look at the installation fee for these and you will see how much a reputable person will charge you.

P.S.  Isn't $150 or so cheaper than having to spend the money to re-rent the place when your tenants get mad and leave????

Answer 3

well if they are renting the house/apartment from you, you better replace it. If they are paying $x a month for the house, they better be getting that replaced.

Frankly, stop being a cheapskate and fix it for the people who are PAYING you to live there.