Who should change out filters in rental property is this week’s question for veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi.
Dear Landlord Hank:
We were just having a regular furnace checkup before winter at one of our properties and found out from the company the filter was an absolute mess and had not been changed since probably last year. Do you have maintenance change out filters or make the tenants do it?
-Jake
Dear Landlord Jake,
On my properties that are multifamily, I normally have maintenance tend to this task to make sure it is taken care of.
In my single-family homes and individual condos, I write it into the lease that tenant is responsible for periodic filter changes and HVAC maintenance charges, if filters are not kept clean.
During my walk through inspections, I normally point out where and how to change out the filters. I tell the tenants the size of filters needed, the usual time frame for filter changes, and the benefits of keeping a clean filter.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Other recent Dear Landlord Hank posts you may have missed:
If A Good Tenant Loses A Job How Long Before You Evict Them?
How Do You Raise Rent For A Long-Time Tenant?
How Do You Know When To Change Property Managers?
Where Do You Draw The Line On Normal Wear And Tear?
Dear Landlord Hank: Do You Conduct Rental Inspections? How Often?