Re: Tenant interfering with repairs - Landlord Forum thread

Re: Tenant interfering with repairs by Anonymous on June 12, 2012 @19:07

Technically, all you need to do is give the tenants notice of when the work will begin, usually 24/48hours prior to work commencement. Include start date, approximate times the work will be done and the duration. Also, include that the dog must be secured as it has already charged at the crew and prevented them from doing their job as well as exposing them to harm. That notice is sufficient for them to make arrangements to their schedules and/or secure all valuables in another part of the home if they are worried about it. The tenants do not have to be home and nor do you need to schedule the work do be done after non-business hours. You can site that the work will cause noise within the house and outside as the crews move materials and equipment in and out and that would violate the neighbor's peace and quiet. I am sure the town has it's own ordinance regarding work crews between certain hours.

As the LL, you are required to repair any damages that would affect the health and safety of the tenants irregardless of who caused it, which you are doing. Assigning the ultimate responsibility of who is to pay for it, is another issue to be taken up at another time. The repair needs to be done because of the mold/mildew issue that has resulted for obvious reason. You are NOT required by law to be forced to pay extra for overtime pay or potential city fines if will disturb neighbors after a certain hour just because the tenant wants the work to be done at night when they get home from work.

Since the tenants will not be home during the day, someone should be present to oversee them, you or one of the tenant's friend's or relatives. You mentioned in your other post they have a son who is in high school. School is ending or has ended for most kids and if he doesn't have a day job, then isn't him being in the home satisfy the tenant's issue? Do you have friends or family still in the area? Perhaps you can visit with them with your children on those days and you an pop in and out of the home to check up on progress.

As for the lockbox idea, I can see the appeal of it if the tenant is worried that the door will be left open or leaving a copy of a key with a stranger. I have heard of it being used for vacant properties. Others on the forums will probably be able to answer with their experiences.

If the tenant bars the contractors from entering after the notice has been given, then you can issue a cure or quit notice and then into court if they still refuse entry.

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Re: Tenant interfering with repairs by Anonymous on June 12, 2012 @19:17	[ Reply ]

Terrible terrible ideas in this post. DO NOT turn this over to a high school kid....especially one that does not share your interest in this place. Personally, at this point I would be looking to get rid of these people. Do you need them at this point? Do not pay any overtime for outrageous work hours. Get them out then do the work on your schedule. You might be able to hire a general contractor you trust to be the boss. I think your only other option is to find a nice camp the kids can go to while you go over there and take charge of the repairs during the day. You have the right to do so, take tons of picutures. This is your house.....nobody will care about it like you do - I would not just let the contractors in without oversight. Good luck.