Tenant’s Damaged Property - WWYD?

[jenn_jenn]

We rent out our San Diego condo as a mid-term furnished rental when we’re not using it. We had a new situation for us this week and not sure how to handle. We like to be good landlords so would love to get some input and advice from this group!

We had new tenants move in this week and they said when they plugged in their espresso machine in the kitchen it tripped the circuit and blew out their machine. They were concerned something was wrong with the electrical. We’ve never had any electrical issues at all prior to this and immediately sent out an electrician to check things out. He said there was nothing wrong with the electrical or outlet but did recommend that we change to a GFCI outlet in the kitchen so we did that. Everything seems fine now.

The tenant hasn’t asked but I’m wondering if we should offer to reimburse her / replace her espresso machine? We do have a Nespresso at the condo so I have a feeling this is a fancy espresso machine. I’m hesitating since I have no idea what condition the machine was in and the electrician indicated there was nothing wrong with our electricity or outlet. At the same time, I recognize as a tenant they must not be happy to have a broken espresso machine and had we previously had a GFCI outlet it may have prevented their machine from breaking.

WWYD in this situation?

[riverwed070707]

I'm surprised you don't have to have GFCI in your kitchens and baths to pass rental inspection. I guess if it were me, I'd probably not offer to replace but would do so if they asked or seemed upset about the situation.

[Fishindude77]

You sent out an electrician to check things out and he said there was nothing wrong with the electrical.
Sounds like you did what a good landlord should do. If they don't press the issue, don't worry about it. Could just as likely been something wrong with the machine that caused the breaker to trip.

[jenn_jenn]

I'm surprised you don't have to have GFCI in your kitchens and baths to pass rental inspection.

We didn’t have a “rental inspection”. We purchased this home initially for personal use and then turned into a rental later. However, the more I’ve read, the more I am also surprised that this passed the home inspection without being flagged.

I didn’t know what a GFCI outlet was until two days ago so I wouldn’t have known to look for this either. Always learning new things!

[ua_guy]

If it's an older home/electrical, it may have been installed before GFI was required as part of building code. Or, original GFI outlets may have been replaced at some point by someone looking to save money, or who didn't know any better. GFI outlets do go bad, so, I wouldn't be surprised if someone replaced it previously with a cheap non-GFI outlet. Basically, if an outlet services an outdoor space or is within 6 feet of a sink, it should be GFI, or there should be a GFI outlet on the circuit somewhere.

You might want to have an electrician evaluate where you need GFI's to meet modern code simply for the safety of your tenants, and your own liability as the owner. For anyone who doesn't know, a GFI interrupts (stops) the flow of current when there's a short. It prevents electrocutions/death and electrical fires.

I don't think you have any responsibility to replace the espresso maker, but maybe feel out your tenants. Espresso and coffee makers tend to trip GFI circuits or burn out as they get older. The water heaters/ boiler plates corrode and can crack, causing shorts, among other things. If I had to guess, it was time for a new espresso maker. Moving the machine into the new place, being rattled around in a box, etc, could have been the final straw for it. I think you'd be gracious and would be going above/beyond if you helped replace it, but, things happen.

[kork13]

Agree with the others. Electrician investigated & found nothing wrong with the electrical. So you're not at fault. If he had found something funny with the wiring, then perhaps there's more reason to offer replacement. But as is, no need for you to do so ... but I might be willing to cover some portion of the cost (up to a limit ... Those can be wildly expensive) if they do ask for it.

[jenn_jenn]

You might want to have an electrician evaluate where you need GFI's to meet modern code simply for the safety of your tenants, and your own liability as the owner. For anyone who doesn't know, a GFI interrupts (stops) the flow of current when there's a short. It prevents electrocutions/death and electrical fires.

Yes, we had the electrician check. The only place we needed it was the two outlets in the kitchen. The other areas in the laundry closet and bathroom already had them.

[jenn_jenn]

Thanks for all the replies! Very helpful to have a sounding board.

I’m not going to offer on my own but will do something towards replacement if they bring it up.

[bjl584]

It was the machine that overloaded the circuit. Something was most likely wrong with it.
I wouldn't offer a replacement unless they make it an issue