Reduced rent for flooded basement?

[Jacob Carlson]

Question for the group:

Here is the scenario: I have a duplex that recently flooded in the basement from the Metro Utilities District Company (MUD) doing work in the area. 30+ homes in the area were affected with flooded/muddy basements. MUD is working with subcontractors to clean and replace basements that were damaged. Tenants are now asking for rent to be reduced for not having access to washer and dryer or ability to use the basement for a month... 

My Question: Do I need to offer reduced rent or anything while the situation is remedied? 

I want to basically say I appreciate you getting through this frustrating situation and I am sorry for the inconvenience but rent is still due. This was out of my control but is being handled by MUD. 

Thanks for reading the post and your answers!

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

For starters, the tenant should make a claim through their Renter's Insurance for loss of use. You should also provide them with contact info for MUD if they have a specific contact for this event. Ultimately, yes, they should get compensated, but they need to follow through with the process. It is impossible to know what their damages are, until the issue is resolved and the basement restored to prior condition. It may be 10 days or 100 days...they need to pay as usual, and get their compensation once the actual loss is known.