Landlord Responsibilities when Water Heater Breaks?

[Hannah Addington]

Hi All, I own a condo and am currently house hacking with two other roommates. My water heater broke causing my tenants to be without hot water for 2 days. My tenant asked me to cover a hotel for the two nights. I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this and how they handled the situation?  What is our responsibility as a landlord? 

[JD Martin]

Your tenants are your roommates? So one roommate wants a hotel and the other doesn't? 

If it were me I'd give them an allowance for a reasonable hotel room, never cut them another break and send them packing as soon as their lease was up. If they are on month to month I'd give them their 30 day. Water heaters break. Hot water is nice to have but not an emergency if you got right on it. A cold shower sucks but it's not the end of the world for a day or two.