The case for renting
- Repairs and replacement are included in the rental fee
- No large upfront cost
- Good if you plan to move soon
The case for buying
- Over the life of a heater, monthly rental fees often add up to more than buying
- You choose the model and the installer
- No contract terms to manage when you sell the house
How to decide
- Find your monthly rental fee on your gas bill.
- Check the age of the heater on its label.
- Ask the rental company about buyout terms and removal fees.
- Compare with the cost of a new owned heater and installation.
When selling a home
Rental contracts usually transfer to the buyer. Some buyers dislike that, so it can come up in negotiations.
Read the contract carefully. Some include buyout or removal charges.
Keep a copy of your rental agreement with your house papers. It sets out the buyout formula, and you will need it if you sell.
Rather hand it over? Our plumbers handle main sewer line clearing and tankless water heater installation along with everything else on our residential plumbing list.