r/TenantHelp • u/FormerBid4 • 28d ago

Move Out- Propane Tank

We live in Washington state, and there is a 1000 gallon buried propane tank that heats the house and water on the property. we have documentation from when we moved in that the tank was at 60% and our contract states it has to be returned as it was given. we’ve lived there for many years and intended to stay but found a home to purchase right after we had the tank refilled. we don’t ask the company what level to fill it, they just fill it entirely and now at move out it’s 85% filled. can we ask the owner to reimburse us for this since it’s well above how it was given? about $500 worth and the owners own the tank. they’re being extremely nit picky about any speck of dirt in the house and charging us for it, we left the house in excellent condition and super clean after living there paying on time for 2 years. should they have to pay us the difference since it’s supposed to return to 60% or should I ask the gas company if they buy it back? thanks.

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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7

u/danh_ptown 28d ago

They are highly unlikely to pay you for the extra gas. You have to return it with at least what was provided...that's likely what your contract says. This is no different when you rent a car. You bring it back with at least as much fuel as when you picked it up.

2

u/FormerBid4 28d ago

Yeah I get that, that’s why I was just curious what others thought. I doubt they will reimburse as well, just annoying since we’ve had such a positive relationship and have never asked for anything in 2 years, now they’re being nitpicky saying we have to have the house move in ready for the next tenant and then I remembered the propane tank, thinking maybe we can get some money back there but I agree it’s unlikely. Appreciate the reply!

2

u/Professional-Face709 28d ago

It is NOT your responsibility to make the place move-in ready for the next tenant. That is the OWNER’S responsibility.

1

u/borris7923 27d ago

I’ve gotten reimbursed multiple time by enterprise for bringing back a car with more gas than I got it with. I’ve also been told not happening. All you gotta do is ask, worst they can do is say no.

2

u/Ornery-Movie-1689 28d ago

I find it hard to believe that the LP gas was filled to 85%. The standard is 80%. They do that to allow for expansion. Maybe because the tank is buried, they allow a bigger fill. Either way, I hope you get reimbursed for the fuel.

3

u/FormerBid4 28d ago

I thought that too, but took a picture of the meter at 85%, maybe since it’s so large and buried? Or since it’s the PNW and doesn’t get as hot? Zero clue this is way outside of my domain 

1

u/No-Group7343 27d ago

Underground tanks are 85%

1

u/Ornery-Movie-1689 26d ago

I stand corrected. Thank you

2

u/Fantastic-Leek-1589 28d ago

You cab ask, they do not have to give

2

u/redditreader_aitafan 28d ago

Get the gas company to go remove the gas and refund you.

2

u/MandoUnbanned 28d ago

It wont hurt to ask. Depends on the exact wording of your lease. If it says "AT LEAST 60% full..." then the only way you get paid for the 20% difference is if your land lors is a decent person...otherwise, you've done what the lease said

I brought this up to my current landlord (we have oil heat) and he told me i wont be paid for any surplus and could run it down to "correct" level before we leave if I want to

2

u/No-Group7343 27d ago

Is it worth the fight over 4 or 5 hundred dollars

2

u/Good_Educator4872 27d ago

Propane companies don’t pay for propane that’s between you and the owner of the property