Repairs that affect tenant - how to handle?

We are replacing a portion of sewer line in an older, historic apartment building and this will affect a couple of apartments for 2-3 days. They will have no sewer service while repairs are being made.

I am curious about what kind of accomodations are commonly offered to tenants in situations like this. Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Martha

I would ask the residents if they could stay off the property for a few days while the repairs are completed in exchange for a reasonable credit to their rent for the current month. If they can stay with friends or family it would make the repairs go smoother. Remember that a repair of this nature makes it unsafe to live in the property until it is complete and passes local code inspectors.

Good question. At a former apartment building whenever there was a need for any work that was going to inconvenience a tenant for more than a day or so, we typically gave them access to a vacant apt. or our "guest" suite if was not in use. Even with the majority of the building rented, we always had a small number of units open. This may not work for all properties but it's a nice way for both parties to "win" in a tough situation.

Martha,

I want to add to what everyone else said and that is if it is something that is known about then when it first came up, I would have been talking with the tenants then and letting them know what we could do to relieve the stress.

It has been my experience that the sooner the residents know, realize it is for their benefit, that the improvement is being done, that a plan is in place, that they are pretty good about cooperating with the property.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I have given the tenants several days notice and let them know they can use our one vacant unit for showers, etc, but also suggested they may want to arrange to stay with friends/family for a couple of days. I let them know we will credit them for the days they are affected by the work. Both tenants have responded and are more than happy to work with us. All's well that ends well!

Thanks again. Martha

It is all good advice and I'd like to recommend making a nice surprise such as dinner on the property, a gift card, or some small token pf aprreciation that is a surprise. It will show genuine sincerity and when it is after the fact for " being so understanding" you can bet you'll have a more loyal fan.

I remember working on a property undergoing major renovations and the contractors were replacing the windows in the middle of winter and since the ntofications of which units would be done on each day we never got one serious complaint. Really we just got more phone calls for confirmation.

It is amazing how flexible most people are when they have plenty of notice and good follow up. Keep us posted as to how it all works out in the end.