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Another questions we get from property owners is —
“Should I repair this appliance, or just replace it?”
I’m Mendell Gosnell with Centurion Real Estate Management, and in this blog article I’ll walk you through the simple guideline we use to help owners make smart, cost-effective decisions — we call it the 50% Rule.
WHY THIS DECISION MATTERS
Every property owner faces this question sooner or later — a broken dishwasher, a leaking refrigerator, or a dryer that just stopped heating.
The wrong decision can waste money or frustrate tenants.
So instead of guessing, Centurion uses a simple, consistent approach that keeps maintenance costs predictable and properties performing well.
THE 50% RULE
Here’s how it works:
If the cost to repair an appliance is 50% or more of the cost to replace it, we generally recommend replacing it instead of repairing.
That’s the 50% Rule.
It’s simple — but effective.
It ensures we don’t throw good money after bad, and it often saves our clients time, frustration, and future repair bills.
FACTORS WE CONSIDER
Of course, it’s not just about cost — we also look at:
• Age and condition of the appliance
• Reliability of the brand and model
• Availability of parts
• Tenant impact and convenience
For example, repairing a 12-year-old fridge rarely makes sense — but replacing a newer dishwasher with a minor issue might not be necessary.
HOW CENTURION HANDLES IT
At Centurion, we apply this rule consistently for all managed properties.
Our maintenance team reviews repair quotes, checks warranty options, and gives clear recommendations — repair or replace, with real numbers to back it up.
It’s part of how we protect your investment, reduce surprises, and keep tenants happy with reliable, functional homes.
So next time an appliance breaks down, remember the 50% rule — if it costs half or more of replacement, it’s probably time to replace.
