Roof replacement on occupied duplex

[Alexa Callison-Burch]

I'm new to the world of landlording and would appreciate some help.

I'm purchasing a duplex in Salt Lake City, UT. The duplex is currently occupied and tenants in one unit have been given 30-day notice to vacate. I will move into that unit after they vacate.

The roof is in very poor repair and needs to be replaced ASAP. I've got a roofing contractor lined out to begin construction several days after closing. Although I have not yet taken ownership of the property, I contacted the tenants in both units to inform them of the upcoming construction. The roofing contractor estimates the work will take 3-5 days and recommended that their not be anything "irreplaceable" outside the home in case construction debris were to fall on it. 

The tenants who have been served notice have a lot of things in the driveway adjacent to the house, including a newer-model car that doesn't run. Upon contacting them today with the information about imminent construction, the tenant refused to move the vehicle and said that if it was damaged during the course of the roof replacement, he would hold me financially responsible for the damage to the car.

Can you all help me with the following questions:

1. Is it within my rights to have the roof repaired once I take ownership, even with the building occupied?

2. What is an appropriate length of time to give notice of the construction to be done?

3. If the tenant refuses to move the car and it does become damaged, who is responsible?

Thanks so much!

[Matthew Paul]

Tell them plain and simple , move the car . If they argue , hand them a 30 day notice to vacate . You are landlord , they are tenant . And tell them to clean up their crap too