Split system aircon filter cleaning - tenant's responsibility

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by Tony3008, 11th Feb, 2020.

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  1. Tony3008

    Tony3008 Well-Known Member

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    Following a recent inspection my PM noted the tenant saying that the aircon wasn't working too well. My response was to ask whether they'd cleaned the filter - I'd regard this as something the tenant should be doing periodically (all the appliance instructions were left for them). The PM has come back saying that she does not regard this as something a tenant could/should do. Comments?
     
  2. Rich2011

    Rich2011 Well-Known Member

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    If you live close buy go in every 4 weeks and clean it and see if the tenants decide they want to clean it themselves :D
     
  3. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Which state is your property in?

    In SA its tenants responsibility - but only if you provide them with the operating manual.
     
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  4. Tony3008

    Tony3008 Well-Known Member

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    Victoria (Melbourne)
     
  5. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    They're a washable filter - have the PM advise that they could send someone over at their cost to show them how to wash a filter or send a link to the YouTube clip.
     
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  6. Bee-mumma

    Bee-mumma Well-Known Member

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    LOL! That is just weekly cleaning... boggles the mind.
    I'd be giving consumer affairs a call to clarify.
    Seriously, it's just vacuuming out the filter. Tenants dust. It's kind of like saying that the oven got dirty and the landlord should whip over and clean it. pfft. Interested in the outcome though. Maybe it is a bigger issue than you think.
     
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  7. Lil Skater

    Lil Skater Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, nah. Tenant to clean the filter and test again, if it’s still not working well then send someone out to diagnose.
     
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  8. jaydee

    jaydee Well-Known Member

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    Tenant responsibility (same as fan grills, dryer filters etc). My leases clearly state what is the tenant's responsibility and I normally run thru all these items when handing over the keys at the start of a lease.

    Having said all the above, it doesn't mean the tenant actually will do it, however, it gets added to their cleaning costs when they vacate.
     
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  9. Tom Rivera

    Tom Rivera Property Manager Business Member

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    I suppose your Property Manager also doesn't think tenants should replace light bulbs?

    *rants something about millenials*

    Unless the A/C unit is located particularly high on the wall out of reach, it's totally reasonable to expect them to clean the filter.
     
  10. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    We write into our leases that if a service is required and it needs work because the filters have not been cleaned, the tenant will pay for that service. We've never had to act on that clause, and I'm not sure where we stand legally anyway. But at least it makes them aware the filters must be cleaned.

    I love the idea from @My House QLD about issuing notice to enter every four week and wandering in to check the filters. I wonder how long before the tenants say "we can do this from now on". :D
     
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  11. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

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    What sort of PM are they? They should have advised and included a special condition concerning light globes, a/c filter, remotes and batteries in devices like the remote !! and smoke alarms etc etc based on the initial walk through for the lease. This removes all doubt.

    Have they also asked for you to put the bin out ? Or clean their dryer lint filter. Idiots.

    An AC unit will underperform if filters arent cleaned. They will overpay for energy too. Every few weeks in summer is pretty normal.

    How to clean your air conditioner - CHOICE
     
    Last edited: 12th Feb, 2020
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