Firewood Processor Forum

I have a small rental house and recently the furnace broke down. To fix it costs $5,300 as it has to be dug out from under the house. I will fix the heater but am still working on getting the money together. In the meantime I have brought the renters four space heaters, plus fire wood. Today after bringing them firewood, I got a phone call from them which was upsetting. They are angry that I didn't brought them a full cord of wood and that they are freezing their asses off. . I asked them if they are using the space heaters and they said, "Yes, but that it's expensive." I explained that running the gas furnace (if it were working) would be even more expensive since gas is out of sight these days. I also told them that I will keep bringing wood to them as they need it. So, anyway they yelled at me and have threatened to call the Landlord Tenant Hotline, plus move out.

I know that In California, by law the landlord has to provide a worker heater. Keep your proof of purchse of the space heaters, and firewood. You went and bought that stuff for them until you can replace the furnace, so it shows youve made an attempt to correct the problem of the broken furnace.

It is their fault for freezing their as*s off for not using the space heaters.

I do not belive that space heaters are considered adequate heat under the law

You are required by law to provide a source of heat for them. It sounds like the space heaters (can be fire hazards) took care of that, if they are adequate to heat the place. The firewood is a bonus on top of that (they weren't used to getting free gas for the other heater?). They will probably be doing you a favor by moving out. Are there other issues that you did not tell us about? If not, they should not have any legitimate claims against you. Encourage them to move...it will be easier to do the work needed with a vacant house. Clean the place up, and find some decent tenants. Good luck!

You are required by law to provide a source of heat for them. It sounds like the space heaters (can be fire hazards) took care of that, if they are adequate to heat the place. The firewood is a bonus on top of that (they weren't used to getting free gas for the other heater?). They will probably be doing you a favor by moving out. Are there other issues that you did not tell us about? If not, they should not have any legitimate claims against you. Encourage them to move...it will be easier to do the work needed with a vacant house. Clean the place up, and find some decent tenants. Good luck!

Yes, they are being unreasonable and so long as the heaters and wood were provided to them quickly, you have nothing to fear from Landlord/Tenant issues.
Keep a calendar of events for this, the day and time they notified you of the problem, the day and time you provided alternative heat. Even take notes on your conversations with them as soon as you have a chance to write it down. If they end up causing a problem for you these records will prove invaluable because it is so easy to forget things.
It sounds to me like you are doing your best to take care of the immediate problem and are working on resolving the heater issue. It's not like you can wave a magic wand or anything...

They cannot legally move out unless you did not give them those provisions. It's their choice not to use the heaters, not yours. You're fine. If this were ever taken to court, you would be within reason.

If they break their lease right now, you can sue them.

Don't know where those thumbs down are coming from, because we were in a similar situation and sought the legal advice of a lawyer. Since you are correcting the situation and giving them alternatives, you are showing that you are taking initiative in fixing the problem.

For them to vacate, they would have to give you a WRITTEN NOTICE that states that if you have not fixed the heater in 12 days, they are legally able to move out free from being billed for the remained months.

I think that the renters are being way unreasonable!! You are doing all that you can do in your situation, and if they dont understand then let them leave!! If they want to call Landlord tenant board, then let thhem. The board will also see that you are doing all you can and will side with you. Dont worry about the tenants any more than you are now, keep getting them wood when needed, and get the furnace fixed as soon as you have the money. Really, what more can you do for them? And, you could always call the Landlord Tenant Hotline yourself and explain the situation to them first, that way you have also covered your a** with the board by being honest about the problem with them. Good luck with your situation!!

It depends on what the weather is. If it is freezing space heaters can only warm a certain amount of space as well as a fireplace. This is a big inconvenience for all involved, and you should really try to give them some kind of time frame as to when the situation will be rectified. But on the same note they are adults and you have supplied them with very reasonable temporary solutions and should not have to do it all. Reassure them that you will reimburse them for any wood they need to purchase outside of what you have delivered them. And unless there seems to be some situation of this kind arising often this is no reason for you to feel obligated to let them out of their lease.

Your tenants are definately being unreasonable. If you're going out of your way to get them fire wood and help them stay warm, then that should show them, that you're trying to help. Maybe you should tell them about the money situation and if that doesn't work just ignore them and try to find someone who will value your efforts.

Help them pack to go.