In a lose- lose situation and need advise!

[Walker Kirkikis]

Hello all,

I hope all has been well! I have a situation at my rental property that I need professional advise on.

The facts are as stated:

1. Friday 6/17, I get a call that the 3rd floor toilet is leaking into the 2nd floor bathroom---

Action: I fix the leaking toilet that night.

2. Monday 6/20, I get a call that the 3rd floor tub is leaking into the 2nd floor bathroom---

Action: I go to the property to access the problem and uncover a non-supporting tub (the boards supporting the tub are rotted out/non existent) and severe water/mold damage to the subfloor of the entire bathroom.

Action: Call in plumber and contractor to access the repairs needed. Both say the bathroom needs to be totally gutted and a new subfloor and everything be replaced.

The problem:

The only bathroom that is working is the 2nd floor bathroom. I offered to see if the 3rd floor tenants can use the 2nd floor bathroom while I repair/renovate the 3rd floor bathroom. If the 2nd floor tenants agree to the 3rd floor tenants using their bathroom during the repairs (7-10 days) there is still a problem.... One (of two) third floor tenant does not want to use someone else's bathroom.

-These tenants are Month-to-Month tenants.

-I "assumed" them with the property.

-They are "willing" to work with me on this problem, but asked about me putting them up in a hotel during the repairs. (I would NOT like to do this $$$).

Note- The 3rd floor tenants said they have a meeting with the "Chicago Tenants Rights" tomorrow. And they would like me to let them know my actions/what is going to happen in writing.

My question: What am I responsible for doing for the 3rd floor tenants? (Getting them a hotel, Not charging them rent, Etc...)

PS- The property is in Chicago City Limits.

Thanks everyone!

[Mike Cumbie]

I may be in the minority here, but I think you need to put them in a hotel while the bathroom is fixed. If it had 2 bathrooms, fine no big deal. The solution of go knock on the second floor apartment at 2:15AM when you have to pee so they can let you in is only going to breed problems in two apartments instead of just the one. Who here would accept "Big Jeff" from upstairs stopping by during dinner, heading to your bathroom and allowing the smell to flow freely over your mashed potatoes? The sounds coming from there may effect your "Quiet enjoyment" while you are all cuddled up on the couch watching the latest Sandra Bullock movie.

You found out the item you are renting out is not up to par. Hey it happens. Solution to me is put them in a hotel for a week and get the bathroom fixed. If you can't afford the bathroom, them put them up in a hotel and give them notice, pay for the hotel till the notice is done and as you can get the apartment in condition to rent again.