When Planning to Renovate Your Property It Is Important To Know Your and Your Tenant’s Rights…

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Has the time come for your investment property to be updated for a tenant turnover or simply routine property maintenance? When planning to renovate your property it is important to know your and your tenant’s rights. Your renters will benefit from the upgrade but there is a right and wrong way to do things and it is vital to respect your resident’s rights. What do you do if there’s a tenant occupying the property when major renovation work is being done? This can have implications for their rights and your responsibility as a landlord.

The Rental Lease

A significant term in most rental leases is the right or obligation of landlords to remodel and maintain the leased premises during the lease term. Each lease agreement is different. Most leases have a standard agreement about making necessary repairs. Whatever your lease says about renovation you will be obligated to follow that outlined regulation. Leases are legal contracts.

Your Right and Obligation To Improve Your Rental Property

As the property owner, you have the right to perform necessary repairs and maintenance. In fact, you are legally required to make improvements and repairs to the property. In most cases…

  • Landlords must follow all building and housing codes regarding health and safety.
  • Landlords are required to make all repairs and whatever else is needed to maintain the property and keep it habitable for tenants.
  • Landlords must keep all of the common areas clean and safe.
  • Electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and other facilities must be kept in good condition.

You need to be considerate during the renovation most people do not take too kindly to construction workers and loud noises. If your renovation will not directly impact your tenant’s space it is still nice to inform them ahead of time that construction will be going on in the building. If your renovations will directly affect your tenant’s dwelling working with contractors who respect your tenant’s rights, communicating with them, and only working during certain hours can make things go much smoother.

Have Open and Honest Conversations With Your Tenants.

The right to quiet enjoyment clause is often brought up when tenants feel the construction infringes upon their rights. Tenants will be willing to endure a small amount of inconvenience for an enhanced property if you tell them your plans. If necessary consider checking with a lawyer if you have questions. You do have the right to renovate your property but if you will cutting off access to a tenant’s bedroom or bathroom or turning off power or water some compensation will likely be in order. If your plan does infringe upon their right to enjoy and use their living space as intended, one of the things you can do is reduce their rent during the project. Being upfront about the situation and offering your tenant something in return for the inconvenience makes everyone feel respected and saves you a good tenant.

Having a Timeline Makes Tenants Happy… Don’t Over-promise Though

Gauging an accurate timeline is crucial in completing renovations with tenants in the building, as they are the ones facing disruption. Most are amenable to dealing with these distractions as long as there is a clear end in sight. By working with a contractor who provides an accurate and detailed timeline, landlords can stay compliant with legal requirements and keep tenants happy through the entire renovation process, With proper communication, attention to your lease, and a bit of negotiation, you will starting renovations on your rental property in no time.

Contact us (866-500-6200) for more information today!

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About Real Property Management Midwest

We are local property management experts serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, & Louisville. We manage Single-Family Homes, Apartment Buildings, and Condos. With years of experience, Real Property Management is Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Louisville and Northern Kentucky’s #1 Property Management and Leasing Company.