How much work do you let your tenants do?

Have an IP in QLD where new tenants moved in a couple of weeks ago.

They have sent through a list of maintenance issues... Nothing major but small things like door handle broken, hole in closet ceiling to attic, etc.

The tenant has stated that he use to have a handyman business and is happy to do all the repairs as long as we pay for the expenses. I was happy with this as everything on the list were pretty simple fixes.

Now he has advised that the back door has swelled due to an existing crack and water damage. He is happy to fix it if we cover the costs.

The wife is a bit worried the quality of his work may not be up to par but I am happy to be saving on labor costs.

And hopefully these are just teething issues with new tenants.

 

One of my IP's has their adult son living with them and hes a carpenter, so they ask permission but hes done a bunch of work on the deck, installed guttering at their own cost etc.

Depends on the work required... sometimes you can get stuck with them doing a poor job.... really a matter of assessing their skill levels.

 

I allow tenants to fix stuff that is broken.

I showed one how to replace a washer in tap now he does it himself.

My ip are all pretty Crap condition anyway so it doesn't matter lol

 

If it were me I'd go for it - pay the expenses and let him fix it. They're only small jobs so can't really stuff things up too bad.

Cheers

Jamie

 

Yeah good stuff thanks guys. I gave the go ahead. Just asked before and after photos and receipts of expenses. I will fix him up for the expenses. Thanks

 

Bit of a grey area. If they do it and injure themselves or muck up the job you're liable for it.

 

Property investing & Tenants has too many Grey areas.

 

Sure does. Needs to be more like commercial IMO

 

Yeah, especially the bit where tenants pay all outgoings!

pinkboy

 

Or the bit where they do their own repairs
Or the bit where you go change the locks if they're in arrears

 

Also some of my tenants are on centerlink so they dont do any work

 

Centrepay is the best thing since sliced bread

 

Be sure not to let them do any plumbing, electrical or gas work or you could find you've invalidated your insurance...

 

I would be concerned if the tenant injured themselves carrying out maintenance on your property. It should be a positive but are you insured for this?
It's unfortunate but that has to be your first consideration.

 

Personally I don't care how much work they actually do provided they earn enough to pay the rent.

 

Also, consider giving the tenant who fixes things, a present at Xmas to show appreciation.

 

Calling @wylie

 

I'd be more worried about them imagining up unnecessary repairs just for easy extra work

 

Yeah that is one of my concerns. I don't want to be getting a maintenance request every week. Hopefully it settles down soon and irons out any teething issues. So far they are all pretty cheap.

I like this idea. A $50 gift card at Xmas should show my appreciation. Would that be deductible?? haha?

 

Another email from them this morning. They have replaced a broken door handle with a new one for $6. And installed a towel rail which they got for free. Happy days. Now as long as they keep paying the rent