To Supply Central Air or Not?

[Ken15]

I build townhomes for both sale and rent in Waterloo, ON. My sister-in-laws friend is looking for a rental. The problem is that she wants central air which I usually don`t supply. I get $1395/mnth+. I have seven of these units and I have never included A/C with them. Should I provide the A/C (my cost is about $2000) since I won`t have to go through the process of finding good tenants, checking references, credit checks, etc.... She is willing to start renting in February when the townhome will be completed.

Any thoughts???? Suggestions???

 

[invst4profit]

Central air or not is a matter of initial cost so is really up to you however I would not do it as a tenant request if it was not my normal policy.
On a more important note as I see is the issue of not doing your due diligence regarding your sisters friend. This is a mistake. Treat all applicants equally. I have heard more horror stories about landlords having regrets about renting to family and friends than any other single problem. For some unknown reason they believe the relationship allows them to bend and break rules.
I would either treat them as complete strangers or not rent to them at all.

 

[superdave]

How do you plan to get central air for $2000?

 

[Ken15]

QUOTE (superdave @ Dec 4 2008, 11:01 PM) How do you plan to get central air for $2000?

I am a contractor.... therefore....contractor pricing.

 

[realfortin]

QUOTE (Ken15 @ Dec 5 2008, 09:02 AM) I am a contractor.... therefore....contractor pricing.

Sheesh, you look a little young to be a contractor...