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I am a new landlord and have very good tenants. (I bought a new house but kept my old as I didn't want to sell in this market.) I am going to have the old house's roof replaced, which will take 1-2 weeks and will of course be disruptive to the tenants (1 works in the daytime so it won't bother him, but the other 2 work different shifts, sometimes early mornings to afternoons, sometimes nights). I was thinking of offering them a break on the rent for the time it takes for the roof to be replaced. Does this sound appropriate or am I being too "nice"? (The break might be, say, 1/2 rent for the days when the roofers are working.)
Last edited by karen_in_nh_2012; 10-01-2012 at 01:40 AM..
Yes, it is 'nice' to offer a reduced rate while the roof is being repaired, but you don't have to do it.
I suggest you inform them, in writing, about the work taking place and make sure you give all the details ( time, length, company name, etc) and if they complain about the noise or disruption, then offer them a break. Are you sure the turn around time is correct? 1-2 weeks seems awfully long to replace a roof.
Kim, thanks for the reply. The estimate was for 1 week but I always try to overestimate so I don't get an unpleasant surprise at the end!
There was a MAJOR leak a few months ago due to a chimney that had not been installed correctly, and the tenants were great about it (I was freaking out -- had lived there 9 years without a problem!). They were just moving in at the time so there was no damage, but there could have been. I had that fixed right away of course, and was told the roof should be replaced soon. I was going to have it done in the spring, but one of the tenants just told me there was another tiny leak in the master bedroom closet when we got a lot of rain last week. Again, it didn't cause any damage, but I don't want to take any chances. Anyway, because they've been very good about these things so far, I was considering a rent break. I may just see if it goes over a week; as a renter I never had to deal with a new roof being put on while I was living somewhere, but certainly I dealt with lots of other "improvements" going on.
As a tenant, I understand that roofs need repair or replacing. I don't expect my landlord to credit my rent because of maintenance, but that's just me.
There are ppl out there who expect a break on everything..perfect example: I know a person who's central AC broke and as a result their electric bill was about $100 more than normal for the month. He had the unit repaired and then called the electric company demanding a credit for the $100. When he told me this story I couldn't stop laughing..I asked him if he really expected them to credit his account and he said "yes, my unit was broke and it used more electric than normal and I shouldn't have to pay that!!" What a weenie. lololol
If there's just one small leak right now I'd have that patched and wait to replace the roof until you have more of a guarantee of clement weather. New England weather is so fickle at this time of year! Be upfront with your tenants and let them know your plans but I wouldn't go out of my way to offer them any sort of a rebate. If the roof repair goes according to schedule then you can thank them afterwards for their forbearance and maybe give them a small gift certificate to show your appreciation.
I would say to give them plenty of notice when the roof work is going to be done, get yourself a reputable roofing company that will complete the work within the stated time frame according to your contract and leave it at that. It is a very generous and nice thought to offer reduced rent but I as a renter do not feel it is necessary. As a renter you expect repairs to be done on the home the same as repairs would be done if I owned the home I rent. It is a wee bit of an inconvenience for a couple days but the end result is continueing to sleep in a dry bed without mold growing in the rafters from a landlord who does not care enough about his property or renters to get the home fixed properly.
When I was a renter I was very glad the landlord replaced the roof - I didn't have enough buckets for all the leaks, and I had to rearrange my furniture in bedroom and living room to keep it from getting wet! He did not offer a credit, but it only took a couple days and did not disturb me at all.
It certainly isn't necessary to offer your tenants a credit, and it isn't your problem they work different shifts. However, good tenants are worth keeping. I'd give them the credit.
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