Prospective Tenant wants a Ceiling Fan

In between leases at the moment and a tenant has put in an application on the proviso that I install ceiling fans in each of the 3 bedrooms. Suitable tenants are proving a little difficult to find on this one
What are your thoughts on this?
Should I install them?
Should I cop the entire cost or ask for the tenant to pay some / longer lease / increased rent or a combination of all three.
Thanks guys

 

It really depends on the market in your area.

If it gets you a tenant that wouldn't go in otherwise then you may as well. Its worth less than the property being vacant for another week. You also get to depreciate them for a few years as well.

I'd try to ensure they were long term - turnover is never a good thing.

 

Hi

Does your property have aircon at the moment? If it already has aircon I wouldn't do it but if the tenant is happy to pay for it via an increased rental amount than I would do it.

Regards,

alicudi

 

They will always be there (and you don't know if other people didn't submit an application because it didn't have fans).You can also depreciate them through your tax processes.

Fans are simple to purchase and install and will help make the place more appealing going forward.

 

I'm a big fan of this sort of improvement, make sure the tenant doesn't go cold on the property.

 

I'd just do it. Basic white fans, are pretty cheap ($40 from bunnings) and should be cheap to install ($60-100 each).

 

I agree - installation is a breeze!

pinkboy

 

Couldn't have said this better.
As much as I hate giving into a tenant on trivial issues such as this, it does come down to numbers.

 

I don't see this as "giving in" to the tenant who has made a reasonable request. Owner has the option of agreeing or not. And after this summer, I really don't blame the tenant!!

Ceiling fans live just about forever, so a small initial deductible cost will improve tenant comfort and property desirability. Benefits outway the cost.

Put one in the living area while you are at it if there is not already one there.
Marg

 

I would install the fans.

Tenants who care about the condition of a property before they move in tend to care more about the property.

You can also depreciate the fans for tax and they last a long time.

 

You could do the fans, make for a more attractive property for tenants. The downside that the tenants could get onto is to ask you for financial compensation if the fans fail, if they fail and it takes a while to replace just let them sweat it. If fans installed you need to make sure they are working, if they are there it is expected they function.

 

I generally fit the typical mod cons, for the property that doesn't have it, I price it as such. My experience with tenants is that there are always ones who "try one on" to see what they can get away with.

Once they get one request through, they feel the owner is a bit of a push over and try for other things.

Where something is actually broken, it is fair enough to request to get it fixed. But if it's not there to begin with and assuming the property is priced correctly, then "giving in" is usually the beginning of more negative things to come. This is also the reason why I'll agree to all requests provided the tenant is willing to pay part of it.

That said, i agree with what you've said and I would have installed fans in before the open house.

 

Do it as I am a fan of ceiling fans and it wont cost a lot all things considered.

 

Maybe no tenant does ask. I think some agents automatically ask suggesting the tenant has requested.

 

True. Pms are sneaky like that, and enjoy a fam while they undertake inspecting

 

IP location ?
As @D.T. said, it is worth the spend rather than having it sit empty another week
So as per most everyone else, YES
But I'd also consider asking for a longer lease term, call it win/win then

 

Try to stay away from the very bottom end (e.g. Bunnings Arlec) as they are truly rubbish in terms of airflow.

Don't have to go high end - maybe HPM or similar.

 

Not sure where property is located but I know up in Brisbane in Summer tenants look for the three following items - Air-conditioning, fans and/ or security screens. If the property has none they will keep looking. Obviously we are not out to spend Landlords money but to maximise the pool of potential tenants that will apply for their property and maximise the rental amount for our landlords.

You can negotiate with said prospective tenant and come back and say that you will install the fans but the rent will be increased by $10 per week if they are approved. So there is give and take both ways and the tenant will realise you are a reasonable landlord but will not pander to their every request.

 

If You have a qualified tenant that is willing to sign a 12 month lease in exchange for an improvement to the property that they require why would you not do it?