Tenant reported problem, no issue found, who pays $ for the service call?

Question

Tenant reported that her dishwasher was leaking, not working, etc. I scheduled a service call and the tech found no problem. He did say that the tenant used too much soap so that could have caused the foam/water to be all over. I had to pay for the service call on the spot. Is it legal to claim my money back?

Answer 1

You can charge the tenant for the service call.  I do that regularly, when tenants whine that the 'sewage pipes' are blocked.  When I discover that it was their abuse that blocked the toilet, they get the bill.  It is amazing how they straighten up when they find out they have to pay for their own carelessness.

Answer 2

you should already know whats in your lease agreement

Answer 3

You should not be responsible. The tenant caused the problem not the dishwasher. I would tell the tenant that you expect reimbursement with the next rent payment.

Answer 4

Legal? Probably

Very nice? Not really

What I'd personally suggest is to make sure your tenant knows that too much soap caused the problem and let him/her know that if they have another service call for the same problem (not a mechanical problem) that they will be charged. And then, I'd say it would be completely fair to follow through if it did happen again.

Answer 5

Of course you should charge the tenant. She caused the problem.

I would bill her for the service call.

I would have the service tech put the cause as tenant using too much soap on the paperwork.