apt improvements - Landlord Forum thread 321568

apt improvements by Anonymous on July 21, 2014 @12:03

My tenant wants me to do bathroom improvement in their apt. They want me to replace the old tiles and that means I have to replace the wall with the tiles. I am willing to do that because the bathroom is very old. What should I do to protect myself?? For example, I am afraid that the tenant will start complaining if the wall replacemtn is taking too long and I am afraid the tenant will not want to take days off from their job to stay home wile the contractor finishes the job. It seems that so many things could go wrong and back fire on my "good deed". What should I do to protect my right ??

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Re: apt improvements by Katiekate (New York) on July 21, 2014 @12:13	[ Reply ]

Get them to sign a complete waiver. They waive their right to get any part of the rent reimbursed for any reason. They waive their right to withhold rent or any part of rent for any reason. They waive their right to move into a hotel at your expense...for any reason. They waive their right to claim any injury concerning this project..for any reason. They assume all responsibility for health issues that may result. The assume all responsibility for any problem and actions they must take because of the lack of this bathroom...or any access to this bathroom. If required they may have to install the toilet each night and flush with a bucket of water, then uninstall it each morning for the workmen....they accept the responsibility for this. If required they may have to take just sponge baths in the kitchen sink for any period of time..they accept the responsibility for this. I bet they change their minds. Basically..do not do renovations with the tenant occupying the unit...but if you must..get them to sign off on all the worst case issues ... In advance.

Re: apt improvements by Nicole (PA) on July 21, 2014 @12:48	[ Reply ]

unless the walls are falling down because they've lived there for decades, I wouldn't do it. I do major work between tenants. if there is only one bathroom, tenant will be without a bathroom and/or water at different times and different lengths of time. contractors will come and go for an unknown time frame. no matter how careful they are, contractors will make some type mess and the way they clean up after themselves daily or at the end of the job may or may not be to your tenant's liking. municipal inspector may or may not need to show up. when the walls are ripped down, other unseen work may be discovered. WAY too many reasons for me not to touch this in an occupied unit.

Re: apt improvements by Anonymous on July 21, 2014 @16:39	[ Reply ]

You can freshen the tile by painting it.