Tenant wants to modify bathroom...thoughts?

Tenant wants to modify bathroom...thoughts?

Rental Property Investor · Crestview, FL · Member since 2018 · 6 posts · 1 vote

Little backstory: Rental is a 1300 sq/ft SFH in a great neighborhood in Northwest Florida. House used to be my primary before moving into a bigger house. Been renting to this couple for the past 3 years. They pay via direct deposit, never been late and take great care of the house. They are older (late 60's), retired military.

I was at the property this past weekend spring cleaning, pressure washing, trimming trees, etc... because I self manage both of my rental properties. The husband comes outside to shoot the breeze and I ask about the house, if they are having any issues, he says no but wanted to ask me about swapping the shower/tub in the guest bathroom to one of those walk-in bathtubs...He said his wife has trouble lifting her legs into the shower as it is and that they would pay for the tub and install. I told him to let me think about it and I'd get back with him soon.

I just worry that if I ever decide to sell the house that a walk-in tub would negatively affect the re-sell value, especially given that this is essentially a starter type home...My initial reaction is no, but then I think that if they want to make this change and pay for the modification, they have no intention of leaving and I would have a very long term, dependable tenant.

Could I stipulate that they can change it out but if they decide to leave they have to swap it out for a one piece shower/tub combo that I originally had? What if I decide to not renew there lease and want to sell the house? I would feel obligated to reimburse them...

Thanks in advance for any advice BP community!

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Patti RobertsonBusiness Member
Property Manager · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
7y

I think this would be considered a "reasonable accommodation" due to what is likely some sort of handicap. Legally you can't tell him no, but you can require they remove the accommodation when they leave.  Personally I think it's an asset.  Most people, even who don't need it, would find this a cool feature.  In Virginia our state even has grant money that tenants can use to make accommodation to their homes. In order to be approved the vendors have to be licensed and approved.  You could make that stipulation as well, to ensure it is done the right way.

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  • Patti RobertsonBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y

    I think this would be considered a "reasonable accommodation" due to what is likely some sort of handicap. Legally you can't tell him no, but you can require they remove the accommodation when they leave.  Personally I think it's an asset.  Most people, even who don't need it, would find this a cool feature.  In Virginia our state even has grant money that tenants can use to make accommodation to their homes. In order to be approved the vendors have to be licensed and approved.  You could make that stipulation as well, to ensure it is done the right way.

  • Specialist · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2018 · 270 posts · 187 votes
    7y

    My first answer would be no to them doing any work to the house. Maybe they are planning to be a long term tenant? Who will supervise the remodeling? Will you have a say cause it’s your property? Do you choose who will do the work or them? What is anything gets damaged during remodeling will they cover that cost too? You have to get in touch with them and find out what are their plans and what happens to the tub if they move out or you sell the property and don’t renew their lease? 

  • Rockaway, NJ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y
    First and foremost, this is a reasonable accommodation for a disability, and if they push it, you legally cannot say no. That being said, legally speaking you can also ask them to return it to original condition when they leave. Now that being said, you should absolutely say yes, with the stipulation that they agree to pay for it themselves and you have to vet every step of the construction process. Then they must agree that the modifications become part of the property, and when hey leave you get to decide if they must return to original or leave it there. My personal view is leave it, since you still have a normal tub in the master bath (i'm assuming) and Florida likely has a high retired population. This may help you rent quicker in the future.
  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    Walk in tub - No, walk in shower (with stainless grab bars) possibly with a $50 a month boost (it would have to be a business decision).

    Here is what a lot of Hotels call a Roll In Shower (the room floor and the shower floor are one tiled area with no shower lip.

    Good Luck!

  • Rental Property Investor · Crestview, FL · Member since 2018 · 6 posts · 1 vote
    7y

    I definitely feel like it is a reasonable accommodation, and if made then they have zero intention of leaving. But, I think I like the idea of a stand up shower that has a built in seat rather than a walk in tub though...

    I also would want to be there during the remodel to ensure nothing gets glossed over or something else gets damaged. 

    Their lease renews in October. Is this something I would add to the lease just for informational purposes or as Andrew stated; the modification becomes part of the property? I just want to make sure I am covered...

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    Hi Slade,

    I don't know what the laws are in Florida about this, but you want to make sure that you own it, not the resident.

    As far as the resident paying for it, that's an enticer for sure, but if they move you don't want them ripping it out and taking it, or getting into some kind of legal battle over money for it at that time.

    Probably best to talk to a local attorney and see what your options are if you are going to have them pay for any of it.

    Just my 2 cents!

  • Rental Property Investor · Crestview, FL · Member since 2018 · 6 posts · 1 vote
    7y
    Originally posted by @Scott Mac:

    Hi Slade,

    I don't know what the laws are in Florida about this, but you want to make sure that you own it, not the resident.

    As far as the resident paying for it, that's an enticer for sure, but if they move you don't want them ripping it out and taking it, or getting into some kind of legal battle over money for it at that time.

    Probably best to talk to a local attorney and see what your options are if you are going to have them pay for any of it.

    Just my 2 cents!

     Thanks Scott!

    I'm not sure about that roll-in shower, that would be a major remodel plus neither tenant is handicap or require a wheelchair. The wife just has trouble lifting her leg over the current tub/shower combo...but thanks for the advice!

  • Rental Property Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    @Slade Harrison

    If they pay for a walk in tub/shower, then yes. But just a walk-in tub? No. And of course it has to be installed by a licensed contractor, and you must agree to contractor and design. And then I would require it be permanent. How much would all this cost? I’m guessing a few thousand.

  • Rental Property Investor · Crestview, FL · Member since 2018 · 6 posts · 1 vote
    7y
    Originally posted by @Anthony Wick:

    @Slade Harrison

    If they pay for a walk in tub/shower, then yes. But just a walk-in tub? No. And of course it has to be installed by a licensed contractor, and you must agree to contractor and design. And then I would require it be permanent. How much would all this cost? I’m guessing a few thousand.

     Not sure the exact cost but the husband said $2-3 thousand...Like you, I am not a fan of the walk-in tub, so I'm going to steer them to a walk in shower with built in seat. Thanks for the advice!

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