If someone is asking for a rent reduction because they are unable to use the pool during this pandemic, how should I answer them?

This may have already been asked and answered, but if someone is asking for a rent reduction because they are unable to use the pool during this pandemic, how should I answer them?

Most leases state that amenities are not a part of the lease and/or have a separate section covering amenity usage and landlord ability to close amenities as he or she sees fit.

I have an awesome response I created for this question that has satisfied even the most difficult resident- I can send it to you if you if you dm me

Yes I always tell them amenities are free.

Nikki Carbine luckily I haven’t had this question but I know a few people who have. What if they say “the market rent I’m paying is set because the community has a pool, the community down the street does not, therefore I DO pay to have a pool as my rent is higher for living in this community, that comes with a pool/gym/etc”?
They wouldn’t pay the rent amount charged if they didn’t have the amenities.
Just wondering how you would handle it, again I know so many managers pulling their hair out over this right now!!

Ruby Yvette Lol. Yeah it’s totally crazy. I just reiterate that the rent they pay is strictly for their apartment. All of the parking, the appliances and the amenities are all free. There are some other communities near us that are the same pricing that don’t even have all these amenities. If that pertains to you you can use that as well. Good luck! This has all been really rough I know. ????

“Because there is no monthly amenity rent or annual amenity fee there is no monetary amount that can be equated to any sort of reduction in rent.”

Some jurisdictions are requiring that landlords reduce the rent for the amenities that have been unavailable. Not sure how this plays out in reality.

You do not pay an amenity fee you pay rent and the pool and amenities are a perk of the rental

I usually tell them that I understand it's upsetting that they can't take advantage of the amenities that we have available but that they pay for rent not amenities. I also make sure to add that we are just trying to protect all of our residents by following public health codes and governers orders.

I tell them that we do not charge amenity fees like some places and their rent is based on the square footage of their apartment.

HERE IS MY SPEECH ...
We realize the amenities are a desired feature of our community but we offer them to our residents free of charge and they are not included in your rental payments as some apartment communities charge separately for them. Additionally, the decision was made as a precaution to help slow the spread of the virus.
For this reason, there will be no compensation for the closures which is intended to protect the health and well being of our residents. Although the state opened up at certain percentages at certain times with certain restrictions - we are not quite ready to open everything just yet and working diligently to prepare to re-open with caution and safety as our number one priority.

Do you have a place in your lease that says you aren’t responsible for interruption of any amenities? That is what I have referenced.

Let them know that amenities are not something the resident pays for. Nowhere in their lease does it say that they are charged for amenities, the monthly fee they pay each month is for their rent on their specific unit, and their rent alone. Amenities are a courtesy we offer to our residents to free of charge.

Please show me in your lease where you pay for the amenities, I’ll wait.
Sorry after the Monday I had I am done with people’s stupidity. ????????

I had one resident tell me she was going to call the city. Please do, and let me know when they say I can open it! LOL

I have heard many companies saying “ they are closed due to federally published CDC guidelines around COVID-19 Which are not controlled by the property“ or such ( get exact language from someone smarter ! )

I advise my teams to indicate that these areas are closed based on state and local mandate and will eventually be part of the phased reopening.

I would say something along the lines of it being closed due to recommendations and guidance from health officials rather than quote the lease. It seems a more compassionate and thoughtful reply.

We just opened ours yesterday and someone had there dog in it today... so now its closed.

I wish the pool were open, too. We’ll give everyone a discount of $20/month while the pool isn’t usable.”
We should work to acknowledge that it does actually suck, and isn’t what they signed up for.
(I acknowledge that not everyone has this type of decision-making power, but I believe anyone that does should consider it or push for it)

Jordan Else if you do it once..you will be asked to do it every time something happens. Giving concessions for circumstances beyond your control is not the answer.

I disagree. Giving kindness and compassion to your residents during a pandemic shows you value them and is the right thing to do.
We need to change the narrative. Too many folks on this page view tenants as a nuisance and that’s just not true.

Jordan Else You are right. The tenant pays your entire teams salary. I was a trainer for many years and I was passionate about that. You have to listen, acknowledge that they were heard and find a solution you both can agree on. Often they just want to be heard. ????

I would love to see what you're saying during this time.

we're all in the same situation and your feedback is so helpful.

THANK YOU!

I would love to hear your answer, as we've had these requests as well!

please send it to [email protected]

hi would you send the letter please? thanks...JIm

Hi, I would love to see the letter that you created.

Hi there. Can you please share your response with me?

Hello Lindsay, I would love to know your response to the amenity question.

Thanks,
Sandi

I am interested in your response. Please send to me.
Thank you,