Landlord in need of advise

[rentinohio]

I have a tenant...we have no lease...when she moved in over 1 year ago there was a large central air unit attached to the trailer (it was left there by the previous renters...they installed it and left it when they moved out). Thai air conditioner broke down about 2 months after she moved in...now that summer has arrived, she is wanting me to put central air in the trailer (the one that is there is not fixable)...my question is...am I required to do this? This is not something that I can afford to do nor do I have any desire to do so...also, she has stated that she expects to move out by end of summer because she is looking to buy a house...

Any advise you can give would be appreciated!!!!

[LORDofDOMAIN]

1ST OFF, If it was 10 degrees, dead of winter, would you replace or repair the heat, sure you would. So why not replace or repair the cooling. If she does move at the end of the summer, it'll make it more rentable for the next tenant. As far as being responsible or required to provide cooling, if it was at the residence when the tenant moved in, it must be maintained in working order. Hope this helps

[rentinohio]

If the heat were broken, I would fix it...but heat is a necessity...air conditioning is a luxury...I raised 3 small children in this property with out air for 7 years and I did not install or maintain the air conditioner that is currently there...I also explained when she moved in that we did not install it and would not be responsible for it...

Additionally, it will not make the property any more rentable...we only rent to friends and make no profit from this property (rent covers trailer payment and water and most of the time her water usage is over what I charge her)...that is why this situation is even more difficult...she is a good friend and knows our money situation...

Just torn I guess...because I did not install or maintain the air system and this is a friend and I do not have the $$$ to install a new air unit...:(

[ohiolandlord]

You should have removed the a/c unit prior to renting it. You may have a duty to fix it now. Or perhaps you can supply a small window unit instead as a compromise.

[rentinohio]

You should have removed the a/c unit prior to renting it. You may have a duty to fix it now. Or perhaps you can supply a small window unit instead as a compromise.

That is a great idea!!! That may get me out of a huge cost and still make my friend happy...why didn't I think of that...That you...I am going to discuss it with her tonight!!!!

Thanks again!!!