Tenant Compensation?
I am a landlord who recently got a new tenant. When showing him the apartment initially, he asked if we would install a new rainshower shower head in the bathroom, and I agreed to do it, as I like to improve my properties. I informed him of how the renovation would proceed, and he assured…
I am a landlord who recently got a new tenant. When showing him the apartment initially, he asked if we would install a new rainshower shower head in the bathroom, and I agreed to do it, as I like to improve my properties. I informed him of how the renovation would proceed, and he assured me that it was no problem, he could shower at his cousins or the gym and kept assuring me throughout the job that it was no problem. The plumber that I hired took longer than he first said he would (so what else is new??), so the tenant was without water for 1 day, and without a shower for 2 weeks. The cost of the job was essentially 2 1/2 months worth of rent, as I installed a very good waterworks system and it looks fantastic. Now that the job is over, he wants rent reductions for the days without use (even when the water was off, there was a toilet he had access to in the building), and basically, he could use everything except the shower. The job did not have to be done, and this feels so ungrateful to me after doing a major (unnecessary improvement). I have not made a cent off of this tenant since he moved in in July; it has all gone in to the shower renovation. What percentage should he be compensated, if at all, for something that didn’t even need to be done, and is basically an upgrade for him to enjoy?
brokedeveloper you cant just withhold rent without going through the steps stated in lease.
Op the tenant is ungrateful and smells your “newbieness” I would say no to reduction and I would make an appointment to swap the fancy water works head with a cheaper shower head from Target.
bxgrl,
My points were that:
1) it was a major inconvenience
2) we are only hearing one side of the story (“he assured me it was no problem” is soft information. these things are often not the understanding of both parties)
3) the LL would have little recourse “worth your time”. I doubt the housing court would be worth his/her time over $500. Maybe I’m wrong here. I admit I know little of housing court.
I don’t think you can make the insinuation that the renter is greedy or inconsiderate based on a kind of fishy story told by one side. It sounds like things got out of hand for the LL and he/she made some bad decisions with good intentions.
NO.
Or yes and increase the rent.
I’m totally with Vinca and Townhouselady. The whole thing is redic.
Brokedeveloper- you try that short rent trick and you will lose in housing court. You cannot with hold rent because of a dispute- you have to go to housing court and do it the right way.
You obviously didn’t read the post- it wasn’t necessary. the tenant asked for it. In addition he kept assuring the landlord- who did keep him apprised of the situation- that it was no problem. rainhead showers need the proper plumbing. Tenant is greedy and inconsiderate.
2 weeks if showeing somewhere else is a major inconvenience, IMO. The renter asked for a showerhead, and probably did not understand all the work you were going to do. Remember people, we are only hearing one side of the story here. He probably figured installing a rain shower head take a half hour….which it does!
I would probably ask for compensation as well. If you refused I would just send a short rent check the next month and let you make the next move. If he shorts you $500 you probably have little recourse that is worth your time.
If this was work that needed to be done you should have done it before he moved in.
Tell him you’ve given him a reduction for the “pain & suffering” but that you’ve raised the rent to pay for extra water usage. Make it a wash (no pun intended…)
without sounding like a total rube. what is a rainhead shower anyway?
*rob*
I think a little common sense should prevail- the LL did a good thing- the tenant is benefiting. 2 weeks having to shower somewhere else? Please. The fact that you did it is damn nice- and it isn’t unreasonable to do the job the right way- its your property. He had a minor inconvenience- one which he was willing to take on because he wanted the rainhead. Tell him no deal. Unless he’s willing to pay extra rent for now having an upgraded shower-