I have a 1960's rental property on a good sized block of land. I bought it with the view to knocking it down one day and building two units.
The house is clean and liveable but worn and a bit shabby.
I have a couple with a baby renting it from me for maybe just below market value. They are terrific tenants and made the place look very homely and attractive despite it's age and obvious defects.
In the lounge there is a central gas space heater which until now has worked a treat.
As it was cold last week here in Geelong my tenants tried to use the heater which would not work. I had my plumber have a look at it who after many days of trying to source parts for this 40 something year old heater told me it probably was not worth fixing and if He went ahead it would be costing me over a grand and then what else might go wrong with it????? This is too much for a house that won't be there in a year or two.
My plumber suggested that I install electric wall heaters (of which I have 3 excellent ones stored in my shed) instead. He said he finds landlords in my position often do this instead of fixing these old heaters.
The question is can I replace a Gas heater (which I imagine costs less to run) with electric heaters? Can I expect my tenants to accept this or am I under obligation to replace like for like?
Bear in mind my tenants fixed lease has ended and they are now on a periodic lease. Does this make a difference? If they want to leave as a result of not liking the new heating they only have to give me a month's notice.
Thanks
Brits
The house is clean and liveable but worn and a bit shabby.
I have a couple with a baby renting it from me for maybe just below market value. They are terrific tenants and made the place look very homely and attractive despite it's age and obvious defects.
In the lounge there is a central gas space heater which until now has worked a treat.
As it was cold last week here in Geelong my tenants tried to use the heater which would not work. I had my plumber have a look at it who after many days of trying to source parts for this 40 something year old heater told me it probably was not worth fixing and if He went ahead it would be costing me over a grand and then what else might go wrong with it????? This is too much for a house that won't be there in a year or two.
My plumber suggested that I install electric wall heaters (of which I have 3 excellent ones stored in my shed) instead. He said he finds landlords in my position often do this instead of fixing these old heaters.
The question is can I replace a Gas heater (which I imagine costs less to run) with electric heaters? Can I expect my tenants to accept this or am I under obligation to replace like for like?
Bear in mind my tenants fixed lease has ended and they are now on a periodic lease. Does this make a difference? If they want to leave as a result of not liking the new heating they only have to give me a month's notice.
Thanks
Brits