Tenant Asking for discount on utilities/rent need help!

[Danial Qureshi]

Hi BP Community,

My tenant/neighbor let me know of an issue related to water seeping from my top floor condo unit into the unit below approximately 1 month ago.

I contacted contractor #1 and I was told that they would be at my property on Thursday, he simply didn't show or even contact me, later found out was not licensed. I called back and he simply didn't pick up whatsoever.

Contacted contractor #2 and this time I was given a quote of $1000 to repair this issue with my bathroom, also found out contractor #2 was not licensed which led me to terminate  I contacted contractor #3 to get a quote as well and this quote came out to $6300 due to the bathroom in my condo not being built to Sandy Springs, GA code. 

I contacted Statefarm to see if they would be willing to cover the cost of these unexpected repairs. They told me that they would be unable to cover the repair costs. I said ok and now I'm continuing to work with Contractor #3 so that I can continue knowing that what work that is being done to the property will be done to code and is done correctly by a licensed contractor. 

Now my question is, my tenant is now demanding that I give her some sort of concession/discount on her rent due to her not being able to use the shower in that condo. There are a total of two showers in the condominium. Those of you who are landlords what actions have you taken which have led to a positive outcome? I don't want to give the discount/concession because I'm bleeding on one side and this would allow me to recoup funds that were sitting in another account for the repairs. I'm a bit confused and feel a bit blindsided by the tenant. If someone would be willing to talk over the phone later today anytime after 4pm EST so that I can talk this through I'd really appreciate it.

-Danial Qureshi 

[Joshua Ibarra]

Is the tenant demanding or asking for a discount?

If they are demanding for a discount I wouldn't give it to them because you don't owe them anything unless it states it in your lease. But if they are asking nicely and are good tenants who take care of the property I would want to keep them and take a bit off the rent. Taking a little off rent for a month is much cheaper then them leaving and having a vacancy for a couple months.

I have one tenant who is the nicest and I'm happy to give a discount to if she deserves it but another tenant I charge them for everything because they are a pain to deal with and actually wouldn't mind if they left. 

If you were in their shoes renting the property, would you want a discount for all your troubles? 

Its a grey area and up to you ultimately if you want to provide a discount and the amount you are willing to discount.