“Nobody Ever Washed a Rental Car” — Home Inspection Edition
Normally, the condition of such things as TV satellite dishes, security systems, and water softeners is very important to home Buyers doing their inspection.
After all, if they don’t work, post-closing, it’s the Buyer-now-Owner who’s on the hook.*
So, what is the one exception to that?
When those items are rented, not owned by the Seller.
Then, if there’s a repair or maintenance issue, it’s presumptively the obligation of the company collecting the monthly rent (assuming the Buyer opts to continue the arrangement(s)).
Good Compromise: Seller-Paid Home Warranty
Similarly, how much useful life is left in older-but-still-working appliances matters less if they’re under warranty.
Which is why Sellers are smart to buy such a policy for the Buyer whenever the mechanical’s and/or appliances are dated.
*A Buyer who wants to pursue the Seller for a broken appliance after closing faces the (steep) twin burdens of proving that: a) the item was broken prior to closing; and b) the Seller knew or should have known about it.
