That time a landlord pushed for a quick fix over a safe one

In my experience, rental properties can have hidden issues, but this one stuck with me. I was called to look at frequent breaker trips in a duplex, and found spliced wires just tucked behind drywall. The owner admitted a handyman did it years ago to save cash, and now wanted me to 'secure it' without a proper redo. My gut said this was a fire waiting to happen, but he argued the tenants couldn't afford a rent hike for a full repair. I had to choose between a band aid solution or insisting on the right way, which might mean he'd hire someone less careful. Your mileage may vary, but I quoted the full job and walked when he refused. Take this with a grain of salt, but sometimes the ethical call costs you the job, and that's okay. I still wonder if the next guy just covered it up.

3 comments

3 Comments

blake_cooper3mo ago

Guess the landlord found someone to patch it up?

palmer.jana3mo ago

My friend’s landlord just used duct tape and called it fixed (true story). Sounds about right, @blake_cooper.

the_jake2mo ago

Honestly, landlords are in a tough spot too... they have to keep rents down or people complain. If a quick fix has worked for years, maybe it's not that bad. Pushing for a full rewire could force them to sell the place, and then the tenants get priced out anyway. Sometimes a safe enough fix is better than nothing if the other choice is no fix at all. You might have just made it harder for those tenants.

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