My tenants wants me to replace my air ducts

[geriebaker]

I am a land lord. My tenant wants me to replace my air ducts. Because of there allergies. The air ducts have been cleaned. They have given me a quote for 3,700.00. They also have to very expensive air filters. Which they will not clean. Am I responsible for replacing air ducts. The company they have the bid from is not licensed or bonded in California. They are not listed in phone book. And have a web site that is under construction. I have rented properties for 20 years and have never heard this request. What is my legal responsibilities. thank you kindly Geri

You are not required to do that unless there is some kind of problem that would effect people in general. And if you do clean the ducts you may use your own selected firm to do so.

If they had any special sensitivities they needed to discuss that with you in advance. If they can provide a doctor's letter that the air poses them a special health risk then normally you would let them move out without penalty.

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by geriebaker I am a land lord. My tenant wants me to replace my air ducts. Because of there allergies. The air ducts have been cleaned. They have given me a quote for 3,700.00. They also have to very expensive air filters. Which they will not clean. Am I responsible for replacing air ducts. The company they have the bid from is not licensed or bonded in California. They are not listed in phone book. And have a web site that is under construction. I have rented properties for 20 years and have never heard this request. What is my legal responsibilities. thank you kindly Geri

You are under no obligation to replace your air ducts unless there is something structurally or mechanically wrong with them. If it's a matter of their allergies, all that is required is for you to have them properly cleaned to clear any built-up debris and dust, which you have already done.

As for "special filters", unless they would be required by health codes, again, there is no obligation on your part to purchase, install, or maintain these. As long as you have filters installed and are maintaining/replacing them on a regular basis, you have met the legal requirements. If your tenants want these, they are welcome to pay for them and you can tell them just that.

If you were to do any repairs on the air ducts, as with any repair or maintenance with your rental unit, you are not required to go with the contractor your tenants choose. It's your property and your money, and up to you to decide how you spend it and on whom.

These tenants are playing a game with you. You don't have to do anything at all. The ductwork has already been cleaned (which probably wasn't required either.) Their allergies are their own personal medical problem. They are responsible for checking out a place and making sure it meets the requirements of their medical problems. If they have further problems, just as under the Americans With Disabilities Act, they are responsible for any cost. Tell them to forget it- you won't replace them. And you certainly don't have to allow them out of a lease for allergies - that isn't a disability!

I am in agreement with the last poster. The tenants cannot require you to fix or replace anything that isn't a real hazard. This is simply a ploy to get out of paying rent, which they will most likely start doing.

I would, however, allow them out of their lease simply due to the fact that they are going to be nightmare tenants and it is not worth it in the long run. You are going to have nothing but problems with these tenants and it will be a headache, both emotionally and financially, if you continue to rent to these people.

[geriebaker]

thanks for all your responses. i would love to get tennants out. but they want to stay. they have a two year lease. Any ideas how to get them out. thanks Geri

Sure. When they fail to pay rent, which they will, using the air ducts as an excuse, serve them with notice to quit. You will have to get the courts involved.

Read your lease agreement carefully and follow the guidelines for late rent payments. Once they violate that agreement, you can start the eviction process.