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?
The whole post is ridiculous…the OP as much as the tenant. The fixture was not specced by the tenant, it was selected by the LL. As Bklnite pointed out, a rainshower head is available for as little as $30. Screw off old, screw on new, add teflon tape if necessary, no need for a plumber. LL claims to have spent the equivalent of 2-1/2 months rent for the upgrade ($2,500-$7500 or more!?#*?!). The tenant’s been there since July (4 months) but OP claims he still hasn’t made a dime. What’s wrong with this math? The tenant’s not responsible for LL’s choice of upgrades to improve resale value. OP either made a wise business decision or s/he didn’t. I vote for the latter. As far as the tenant goes, if s/he made the request as OP described, and fully understood and agreed to the temporary inconvenience, then end of report. There was a temporary agreed-to inconvenience, it’s over, the tenant is reaping the benefit. BTW, don’t know how long OP’s been a LL, but there’s no inherent “gratefulness†quotient in the LL/tenant relationship.
Normally I’d side with the landlord except…
He asked for a shower head. You took the opportunity to upgrade the entire works. I’d probably have done the same (do it once, do it right) BUT, screwing on a new shower head would have taken a day. This was 2 weeks with no shower. You made the decision to do it and he can’t take it with him when he leaves.
I’d just remind him that perhaps he’s being a little greedy and concede to a small reduction.
the little princess could have just taken a french shower! his sink still worked right?
*rob*
So now with the very expensive Waterworks rain shower cascading a waterfull on his head, the memories of the horror of showering in the gym or at his cousin’s house for two weeks are so traumatic that he wants a rent reduction? How entitled can you get? I would do as some have suggested, remind him that this is an extra perk he is not being charged for, was at HIS request, and that he was told how long it would take, and that he had no problem with that at the time, and because of all that, NO!
Maybe you should have bought one of these and been done with it for 30 bucks.
http://www.target.com/Rainshower-Chrome-Showerhead/dp/B0003WN19W
I’m assuming it’s not a rent regulated apt but if it was you could raise the monthly rent 1/40 of the cost of MCI’s. Tell the tenant the rent is increased 6% starting Nov (and you need 6% more for security deposit) and he can take a 25% credit against Oct rent for the inconvenience.
Just say no.
WOW! This is America – It never hurts to ask.
So I would say No.
Nothing gained, nothing loss…
I want to put a new tile floor and vanity in my tenants bathroom, I was thinking of asking them to give me advance notice as to when they are planing on going on vacation, and doing it then. Then hope it is done when they get back!
The key information among all the OP said is this:
The tenant requested the showerhead. The tenant WAS told it would be two weeks. The tenant said that would be okay because he could shower elsewhere. LATER after making the request and agreeing to the installation even if it meant being without a shower for two weeks he decided it had been enough of an inconvenience that he deserves a rent reduction.
Huh?? Just tell the guy no. Remind him he agreed to everything. I bet he won’t bother to take it to court. Sounds like a spoiled entitled 20-something brat with no context or experience renting apartments, as you say. Don’t let him take advantage of you any more than he already has.
It took longer than expected. Compromise. Meet half way. Move on with your life. Half off tenant’s claim (if in ballpark of reasonability).
***Bill Thompson for Mayor (TOMORROW!!!)***