Tenant access to roof?

I’m a young landlord (late 20’s) living in my 2 family for about 6 months now. I have a great relationship with my tenants and it feels more like I am living with friends than strangers. That said, we get along really well.  Today, my tenants (young couple, early to mid-twenties) texted me to ask me if they could go up and hang out on the roof.  My gut reaction was to say no, but my husband felt that it wouldn’t be a big deal to let them go on the roof. My worry is that if either of them got hurt up there I don’t know the legal ramifications we can face.  So, my question to the brownstoner community is that as homeowners do you any of you allow your tenants access to the roof? I’m not saying full blown parties, but if they want to just go up and sit – is that OK? Am I being unreasonable by worrying that something dangerous (or lethal) could happen?  Any input is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!  Ms. G

ms_gowanus

in Brownstoner 13 years and 1 month ago

11

Please log in, in order to post replies!

11 replies

Newest Oldest

benumehta | 9 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5118 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4889 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193785"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "benumehta"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOlvKTnAwiubC8Elj.1jt3IaYeygJM0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "benumehta"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "benumehta1234@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:21:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193785)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I realize this post is a few years old, but I just caught it and simply must reply. The poster’s instincts are spot-on. But I must also comment on suggestions of building a ‘proper’ rooftop deck. If that should ever become a consideration, the necessary permits must be filed with the DOB and displayed publicly, as with any construction permit, and the deck created 100% to code. The deck must be built and overseen by a licensed architect, engineer or contractor, and will be subject to inspection. I doubt your current insurance covers any liability for recreational use of the roof. Brownstone roofs were not designed to handle pedestrian ‘traffic’ or recreational use. Gosh, there are so many legal matters tied to this that frankly I’m shocked the poster’s husband agreed to rooftop access to begin with.

ms_gowanus | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179150"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B0kKQVzp4PJ6f2xf47OMW8M429ByBA0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "mayatsek@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/ms_gowanus/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "PiFR82m7dlpnFswyIQ7j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179150)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The answer is clearly a big fat NO! Which is exactly what I texted back to them and they were fine with it. I just wanted to confirm what I already felt to be true. It’s my first time as a landlord here and I am trying to be as understanding and amenable as possible w/out being gullible or putting myself in a legal bind.  Thank your B’stoner for all of your very good responses. Our roof is brand spankin’ new and I want to keep it that way. No roof access for tenants, ever, and that is the end of it.    Thanks again!

meme2 | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5113 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "28546"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "meme2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B.CNHw3k5yUKV5ycrmCQHbrK/ghGhF/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "meme"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "isabelrubionyc@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "http:///forums/users/meme2/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:33:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "meme"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(28546)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

first they are tenants not friends you will be very hurt when they start legal stuff against u or ask for ridiculous stuff. roof is a huge NO they break it they fall …..why do you want that?

slopemope | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "161310"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "slopemope@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopemope/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(161310)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

if you had a proper roof deck, that’s one thing, but wait till you try to track down the unfindable roof leaks from hell that cost thousands (but cost much more mentally and time-wise).  we had a new roof a few years ago and i’ve already had to do some flashing and resilver due to issues that couldn’t really be found.  if we had let tenants up there, believe me i would have 100% blamed them for sure.  i’d say keep your relationship going well, build a proper deck or just don’t do it.  and, if you do decide to do it i’d just double back on your insurance policy and see if your liability is covered if you actually give tenants the tenants go ahead (which could imply that it is safe to do so – so it better be covered!).

dancingirl | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "74139"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "dancingirl"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "dancingirl"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "dalefournier@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/dancingirl/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-09-19 22:25:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "eOlEo9rXvYNEKGWjQ9qf"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "dancingirl"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(74139)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Yes, letting them use the roof equals asking for trouble in many ways. Remember you are not pals, you are the landlord and they are the tenants. No one is going to care about your building the way you do..

berniceshola | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5113 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209445"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BGsTnsAVobWp.DpbrEb6Qh3ZaqX3oC0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(33) "c.r.ystal.nel.s.on.3445@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-29 07:24:25"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209445)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I went to a roof party once, the tenants had strung a hammock up between two brick chimneys. A hald dozen drunk people piled on, and boom. Massive pile of bricks collapsed onto the roof, landlord (justifiably) freaked out, tenant was evicted.

bowl-of-dicks | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "12647"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "bowl-of-dicks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "bowl-of-dicks-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "cf80q@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/bowl_of_dicks/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "bowl of dicks"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(12647)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Tell them to go to the park. They are just testing you to see what they can get away with next (hello, roof parties!!). Roofing membranes are not meant to be walked on, very fragile.

Rick | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1470"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BAu.JvH2s1Xx4WSWCj1RPGTP7/OK53/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "rick"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "r.ladd.bklyn@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/rick/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1470)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You have nothing to gain by letting your tenants use the roof. Other than liability issues to be concern about, it is very easy to damage a tar roof. It’s not the same as having a roof deck. I have seen many roofs damaged by tenants. I often see large planters of tomatoes, BBQ stuff, lawn chairs left on roofs. Parties on roofs on the 4th of July . 15 people walking on a soft roof in July – No wonder the plaster ceiling below leaks badly. But hey, it’s good for business.

timber | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5113 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5124 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "12567"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "timber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BECcKQMWTvxEKriDkOxFufw7fD/ke01"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "timber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "WaltherTR@msn.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-07-10 17:38:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "timber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(12567)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Don’t let them.  I had a similar situation – tenants inadvertantly damaged the roof, etc.

ms_gowanus | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5125 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179150"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B0kKQVzp4PJ6f2xf47OMW8M429ByBA0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "mayatsek@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/ms_gowanus/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "PiFR82m7dlpnFswyIQ7j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "ms_gowanus"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179150)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

makes sense. thank you.

berniceshola | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5126 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209445"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BGsTnsAVobWp.DpbrEb6Qh3ZaqX3oC0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(33) "c.r.ystal.nel.s.on.3445@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-29 07:24:25"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "berniceshola"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209445)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’d never let tenants on the roof. Aside from the liability issues, there’s the risk of damage. It can be very easy to puncture the membrane, especially if the weather is hot or if a bubble has formed underneath the surface material. If that happens, you can do all sorts of damage before you ever notice. Not worth it. And if you let them do it once, they’ll always want to do it and will consider it their right. Not worth it.