I'm considering providing a new fridge and stove to a tenant who is unable to buy them, and the "courtesy" ones which we neither guarantee nor include as part of the rent, and the fridge is apparently on it's last leg. I can buy from a local scratch and ding retailer: brand new appliances with minor flaws and come with a 1-year warranty. Total cost for both appliances would be about $1,000 delivered.

They are nice looking items, just basic. This is in a Class C rental.

I'm thinking to offer this as a lease upcharge for $40 for the pair or $25 if she just wants the fridge. With those numbers I recoup my entire cost within 25 months, then it's all gravy from there, except for repairs. Worst case scenario for me when they move out if they steal or destroy them, I'd probably have recouped at least half the cost.

This would be far cheaper for the tenant than the typical "Rent-A-Center" deal.

From those of you who charge extra to provide fridge/stove, what are your rates and/or thoughts on this proposal?

Vee,

I'm somewhat torn on this. I used to provide stove and fridge on all my apts and single family, even class c. Last several years, harder to get repair, and sometimes not worth repairing... I've quit providing them in class c places.

But currently, I just moved in a couple in a class c... and sure enough...they can't afford stove nor fridge...

I guess I'm in the minority. We provide stove, fridge, and in some cases dishwasher and microwave no additional fees.

We do offer w&d for 45 extra and SimpliSafe alarms 35 extra.

At that rate I pay for used w&d and alarm less than 1 year.

Appliance terms minimum 12 months, same as rental terms.

We started doing this years ago because 1-they didn't have appliances and 2-they destroyed my floors moving in and out.

We also offer to buy a prospective tenant's appliances. We will remove ours and let tenant use their own but as a rule leave rent the same and no kickback.

SID,

I cannot believe I'm reading - a new fridge in class C after everyone complains about C renters tearing up stuff!

Your deal does not sound bad.

Our plan is based on a good used dealer in town.

We buy good used - no dents on front or corners, white or stainless only. Liking stainless more because it upgrades the kitchen and sets us apart from competition.

$250-300 each. $400 for a stainless fridge. NO SAMSUNG!!!

"Bring your own appliances or rent ours - Stove, Fridge, Washer, Dryer, $35 each per month."

Payback 10 months.

About 25% have their own. Most take stove and fridge that are already in the home. MANY take all 4 x $35 = $140/month = $1680/year.

Helps keep the advertised rent reasonable.

I can't help but wonder why they are "unable to buy them".

They knew that was the deal when they moved in. (and if you don't stand by the deal you made, what else will they want you to waive?)

You can cook in a microwave, or outside on a grill, or on a hotplate.

You can keep food cold in an isolated cooler with ice, or in some places just put it outside.

They can figure out some way to solve their own problem if none of the above will tide them over: 2nd job, collect $$ from family & friends.

Set up a go-fund-me thing.

A decent used appliance, like Brad said, is not that much - less than a car repair.

If they were "unable to" pay the rent, would they look to you for help on that, too?

Just saying........

If their money is truly that tight, and they can't / won't do something to fix it, then they may not be far from complete financial ruin & be on the way out soon

Sometimes you just want to help someone - knowing good an well it will probably backfire.

A little - good will - may go a long way.

Thank you for the comments so far. I'll come back and keep reading for the next several days in case there are more.

Regarding a tenant changing their mind: they can't, at least not for the remainder of the lease period. Same as any other lease condition.

Thinking about also adding a removal fee if the appliances are still in working order. So if they do renew their lease and want to get their own items, I may charge whatever cost my handyman charges... $65, I believe. Or I may just write it that once delivered, it stays, period. Leaning more toward the latter since I don't have a place to store appliances.

Repair costs should be covered under warranty from the appliance seller. Even used fridges seem to last 5+ years. I bough a new fridge for my own home about 5 years ago... still chugging along nicely. Basic, $800 stainless steel side-by-side, nothing fancy.

You just described a typical rent to own arrangement on my appliances. I benefit in that I make a one year lease into a 25 month lease. I let them know they are responsible for all repairs to the appliances that they will be buying - so don't beat them up.

in our republic we are required to provide a stove.

I don't supply fridges, but if one is left behind I offer it to the next tenant with the caveat that I will not repair or replace it.

The stoves that Lynn [MA] mentioned included some new in the box GE model Model #JB256DMBB with the sensi-temp technology that that meets the new UL858 Household Electric Ranges Standard for Safety.

Be aware - if you leave an appliance for the res to use, legally your "Standard Operating Procedure" overrules your lease. You provided a ref and must continue to provide one.

My "loaner, no repair" refs went missing on move out day. "It broke so we threw it out". Lie. They actually SOLD it. There was no replacement ref to move out so what were they using?

My plan appliance maint backfired, forcing me to buy a replacement.

I also think it misses giving the res confidence they are renting the right home.

Appliances are not harder to maintain than anything else in the home.

My lease is clear: appliance rentals are for full months only. They frequently ask if it can be removed if they buy their own. Again, confidence they can "get out" if needed just like the cellphone sellers "no contract" promos.

Only had one to remove because they bought their own during the lease. No biggie, just moved it to another home. I don't bother with a charge because it's MY appliance and convenience for the res. I would have moved it anyway if they did not take it at lease signing. At lease I got 6 months x $35.

Signed one today. She volunteered "Of course I want to rent a stove and ref. Can I add the washer and dryer later?"

BRAD

PS for what it's worth...

Momma picks the home and Momma wants nice appliances. They are an EMOTIONAL items for her.

We provide refrigerator And stove. no washer and dryer. Tenants don't have the money to buy a fridge and stove. Some don't even have the money for a new washer and dryer. I haven't ever seen a rental without fridge or stove