Does a landlord have to provide housing during rental renovation is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.
Dear Landlord Hank:
When a landlord is installing a shower where a bathtub has been for 50 years, and says it will take two weeks to replace, does the landlord have to provide housing/motel/etc. during the renovation time?
Is the tenant still responsible for rent for that full month?
-Roger
Dear Landlord Roger,
I don’t have all the information here but if the rental unit only has one bathroom and that bathroom is not usable during repairs or rental renovation, then you as the landlord would be responsible for your tenants’ housing since your project is making the property uninhabitable.
If the tub removal can wait until the tenants’ lease is over, then that would be the best option.
If there is more than one bathroom, you may want to give the tenants a rent concession since a part of the property is not available.
Also, if you are using your tenants’ electricity for your renovation, you may want to work out something with them in advance for this, too.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.   https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
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