landlord building ADU in backyard after renewing lease

[Wendy Wong]

Hi everyone! I recently renewed my lease but just found out the new owners are now building two ADUs in the backyard. This is more a question from a tenant’s POV—but I figure people in real estate were the best people to ask. I have a call with the property manager next week but want to go into it having done some research.

If you were the landlord in my situation, would you charge your tenant any fees to break the lease early? (I’m in Los Angeles if that makes a difference.)

If I stay, what can/should I negotiate (i.e. rent, increased electricity bill if the crew uses exterior outlets, construction start/stop times)? How much should rent be reduced for no longer having the full backyard and garage? Should there be a clause that lets us leave with 30 days notice and without any penalties if we can’t take the noise after all? (My partner and I both work from home.)

Thanks for your help!