Tenant wants to install handicap bars in bathroom

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Tenant wants to install handicap bars in bathroom

Steven M.
Member since 2020 · 4 posts · 1 vote

Hi

I have owned a rental property for 2.5 years, located in south eastern pennsylvania. I have inherited the tenant that came with the property and she has been there a total of 4 years. She is a good tenant and has given me no issues at all and pays on time.

She sent me a message saying her mom is being discharged from hospice care and is now going to move in with her so my tenant can take care of her. She is asking if she can install handicap grab bars by the toilet and in the bathtub / shower for her mom. She said she would pay for them to be installed.

What is the recommendation for this?

Since she is a good tenant Im leaning towards allowing her to get the grab bars installed, unless there is reason to recommend against this.

My thoughts are:

1. Allow the grabs bars to be installed but require her to have a licensed contractor perform the installation, and I would receive a copy of the receipt.

2. Allow her mom to move in and add her to the lease.

    What are everyone's thoughts on this and how do I make sure I am protected legally?

    Thank you

    1Reply
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    Most Popular Reply

    Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y

    I do this all the time. Send a licensed contractor to do the work and leave the bill with the Tenant. One and done.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
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    5 Replies

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    • Marcus Auerbach
      Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
      3y

      We have done this. If she is a good tenant she will stay once you have accommodated her. I had my contractor go there and install the bars - you have to make sure they are secured to studs and not just drywall. Not a big deal.

      1Reply
    • Theresa HarrisPro Member
      Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
      3y

      Good idea to have it professionally done.  There are also some that you can attach to the side of the tub-temporary, but very stable.  If you have permanent ones installed, make sure you get funds from the tenant to have them properly removed when they are no longer needed.

      2Reply
    • Scott E.
      Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
      3y

      Seems like the right thing to do is install the bars to accommodate the mother.

      Just consider that when they move out you may want to remove the bars. So keep that in mind during the install (are they going to need to be drilled into a tub, or shower tile?)

      0Reply
    • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
      3y

      I do this all the time. Send a licensed contractor to do the work and leave the bill with the Tenant. One and done.

      The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      3Reply
    • Michael Brattelli
      Real Estate Broker · Medford, NJ · Member since 2018 · 236 posts · 177 votes
      3y

      @Steven Medaglia if they’re a good tenant I would allow the mother to move in and add her to the lease.

      In accordance with the ADA (Americans with disabilities act) you MUST accommodate their request to modify the property for handicap accessibility but you do not have to pay for it and can require them to return the property in its original condition when they leave all at their own expense.

      Good idea on the licensed contractor part.

      1Reply
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