Tenant sick- Need advice on discussing tenancy

[Chirag Parikh]

Hi friends!

I have a tenant in a condo that I purchased a while back who has been with me for about 4 years now. He unfortunately contracted a chronic illness on the job and it is taking its toll on him. 

My question to you all is what is a kind and respectful way of asking him what his plans are regarding his (and his family's) tenancy with me should be get ill enough to not climb up stairs anymore (unit is on the third floor, no elevator). He has mentioned before he ideally doesn't want to move but will do so if he can't handle the stairs anymore. 

To be completely honest I am also concerned that he may (god forbid) pass away while living in my unit. He has two sons on the lease but I'm not sure I trust them as much as I do him. He is PHENOMENAL. Rent always on time and treats the condo like he it's his own. If his health takes a turn for the worst there is some potential for this to change and not likely in any good way. 

Any thoughts on how to handle this situation would be appreciated. 

[Justin Escajeda]

That's tough man, I actually have a tenant who is constantly going in and out of the hospital and depends on nursing aides and other people (they come over a lot).  In any case, I somewhat feel what your going through. 

Good suggestions here about possibly moving him into downstairs unit if it becomes available.  This is for sure something youre going to have to keep monitoring, but in the mean time I would not over step any boundaries.  Because even though you may have a good relationship (which I just try to stay a bit standoffish with my tenants - so they are clear we are not friends), I would not ask too much about his condition unless it involves your agreement between the two of you regarding the rental unit.