Approach To Handling a Roommate Positive for COVID-19

[Hayden Hamilton]

Hello Bigger Pockets!

I am currently house hacking a single-family home and am renting out my additional rooms to two roommates. Due to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases as of late, I have been thinking how best to approach a future situation where one of us tested positive for the virus. In this scenario, should I be responsible for the health and safety of my other roommate(s) when it comes to COVID-19? Both of my roommates and myself have family close that they could possibly stay with. Part of me feels that to be a good landlord I should allow the other two parties that are not sick to move out for 14 days free of charge, allowing the sick roommate to quarantine in the house. The other part of me feels that my roommates and myself have assumed the risk of living with each other when the lease was signed. I also feel that any family members would be reluctant to allow any of us to stay with them because of the possibility of exposure prior to the positive test results. I would appreciate any advice that could be given on this topic.

I do not currently have any addendums to my lease agreement addressing this issue, but plan to incorporate some following this lease term.

[Mike McCarthy]

I think you’ve gotten some good responses, my addition would be to have the conversation as a group BEFORE someone gets sick. Try to come to agreement about testing, isolation, etc before hand so it doesn’t feel like you’re singling out that sick person.

Agree upon sharing if someone feels sick. Will you share the test results? Etc. write it down in a few bullets and have everyone sign it. Doubtful it would stand up in court, but you’ll all at least be on the same page if something does happen.