Who moves furniture for repairs?

Question

We are installing two new windows and a new laundry room door tomorrow. I told my tenant to make sure the area is cleared for them to do their work and that all fragile items have been moved. When doing repairs in a rental, who is responsible for moving furniture? What happens is they leave out fragile items and they are broken even after being told to clear the area. This is what I am emailing them today. Does it sound good?

(Dan is our contractor who does all repairs and Billy is my husband)

This is a reminder that the two windows and door are being installed tomorrow. Dan is picking them up at the store at 10:00 AM and he and Billy will be by after that.

As previously stated, furniture and fragile items must be moved so they can get the work done quickly and efficiently. They will not move or be responsible for any items left in the way. If they can not do the work due to furniture or other items in their way, they will have to come back the following day and you will be billed for Dan's time.

Ned J. · Answer

Tenants are responsible for moving ALL their belongs, so work can be completed. I will not assume ANY responsibility for damaged items and I don't provide moving/packing boxes.

Never a bad idea to snap some pictures before and after work is done to document before/after...especially for a combative tenant

Melanie Thomas · Answer

In a rental situation, it is generally the tenant's responsibility to move furniture and personal items to allow for repairs to be made. However, the landlord should communicate clearly with the tenant about what is expected and provide adequate notice before the repairs take place.

If the tenant is unable or unwilling to move the furniture or personal items themselves, the landlord may be able to provide assistance, but this should be discussed and agreed upon in advance. The landlord may also charge for any additional costs incurred as a result of having to move furniture or personal items themselves or hire additional help.

Ultimately, the terms regarding furniture removal should be outlined in the lease agreement or discussed and agreed upon between the landlord and tenant before repairs are made. Good luck and happy investing!

Joy G. · Answer

They're actually doing the work today but any future upgrades will wait until the house is empty again. We had discussed this before they moved in so I wanted to keep to my word, even though it wasn't in writing. I try to be a fair and honest landlord.

Jay Thomas · Answer

When it comes to real estate rental agreements, it's important to consider the tenant's ability when it comes to moving furniture. Though I wouldn't expect a physically impaired tenant to hire movers for something like replacing windows, if it was a larger item, such as an entertainment center, then I would require them to move it or sign a waiver of liability allowing you to do so. In cases where the tenant is more able-bodied though, and depending on what precisely needs to be moved, I wouldn't necessarily make an issue out of having them move a couple pieces of furniture as long as fragile items are removed beforehand. This will ensure everyone is comfortable with the agreement while also avoiding any potential damage that could be caused by attempting to move large, awkward items.

Ray Hage · Answer

Is it possible to wait till this tenant moves out since the lease will be up soon? It sounds like they are already difficult and are definitely not going to make the process easy. I wouldn't want to risk something going wrong with the door or windows.....and they become even worse tenants as retribution.

Joy G. · Answer

Because I had some questions.

Caroline Gerardo · Answer

Why ask for advice if you already set your course in action?

Joy G. · Answer

You're making quite a few assumptions. 1. We did not make an agreement in writing. It was something I told them we would get to when we had time.  2. They're not "banging around". A licensed contractor is replacing two windows and a door. 3. Our very professional licensed contractor, who we've worked with for years, is professional and cleans up after himself. 4. There is no "scene". I've been more than businesslike (even when they've been rude) and more than kind (I lowered their rent when they were having a hard time". Please stop making assumptions about things you don't know about.

Caroline Gerardo · Answer

Ned's idea to take photos is good.

This attitude is begs for an appointment in court:"I won't supply anything for them to put their stuff in."

You say you planned to replace windows and a door when you signed the lease. An agreement in writing about this construction should have been signed back then. Now with a contentious relationship with tenant, you send your husband and contractors into their home to bang around.

Window replacement throws sawdust, wrapping, boots tracking dirt, noise ...

instead of making this a scene, try to be businesslike and kind.

Who moves furniture for repairs?

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