Tenant Shower Leaking

[Jim Ziccarelli]

I have a tenant who's shower floor is leaking into the basement. The repair is going to include remove existing tile floor, moving drain, new floor pitch and install of tiles. The process is going to take a 4-7 days due to proper drying. How do I make these repairs if they'll have no where to shower during the repair process? 

[Nathan Gesner]

I'm dealing with a shower renovation right now. It's been a week and we're still not done.

I offered them a membership to the local fitness center. It's very nice, has family rooms so they can take their baby, and it has much more than just showers so they are actually getting a lot of benefits in exchange for the minor inconvenience.

When stuff like this happens, you need to be sympathetic, but firm. Many tenants will demand a refund of an entire month of rent or something ridiculous. I remind them that I own a house and I don't get a break in my mortgage payment when the fridge breaks or the shower has to be renovated. 

A lot of this is out of our control but we can still be nice and try to make it easier for them. If a fridge goes out, I take them a cooler and some ice. If their shower breaks, I get them a one-month gym membership. If the stove is out, I take them a hot plate or $50 in pizza certificates. They appreciate the gesture and it helps keep them happy and long-term.