Standard to do anything for tenant after a big inconvenience?

Question

So as I'm writing this, the jackhammers are pounding away outside to tear out our front steps so new ones can be poured. It's a huge pain in the ass and I know because I live upstairs and the floor is shaking in my unit, so I can only imagine what my tenant is hearing right next to it.

I guess I was wondering if during extremely annoying times like this you guys do anything for the tenant, like knock anything off rent, small gift, or am I really overthinking this?

Patricia Steiner · Answer

I never touch the rent. The rent is the rent and once you start to offset it for any reason, other reasons for doing so will present themselves. I would share your experience with the tenant and that you sorely underestimated the noise that "man with jackhammer" can generate. Let the tenant know when it will be over and give them a gift card to buy dinner on you - away from it all. Your thoughtfulness is what makes for long-time tenants. Hope those old steps are a goner soon.

Frank S. · Answer

I keep them informed on the work status, schedule, what to expect, and I tell them I understand the inconvenience. I highlight that this will improve their place.

Hey, get them a bottle of wine if that makes you feel better - nothing wrong with being nice.

Frank S. · Answer

After an insect infestation (in their baby's room), I gave them $60 in pizza gift cards, enough for pizza for a family of 4. I felt really bad about that.

For concrete work outside without affecting their unit, I wouldn't worry. Don't start work before 8 am.

Good luck,

Frank

Bradley A. · Answer

@Lucas Hammer

Our most recent tenant experienced a broken furnace, washing machine, and dishwasher in her first month of occupancy. We fixed the issues expediently, but knew the issues caused a lot of frustration.

Upon fixing the last of the three items we left a bottle of Prosecco and note thanking her for her patience.

She was very grateful and has been an excellent tenant since. The little things go a long ways.

John Warren · Answer

@Lucas Hammer I would absolutely do something thoughtful for your tenant. Although you shouldn't cross the line and try to be friends, it makes sense from a business, tenant retention and ethical stand point to do something small but meaningful. As others have stated, you know your tenants so you know what will make sense. The pizza idea was great. I also buy Christmas presents ($5 chocolate boxes) for my good tenants every year). The little things help to build good will so that when something does go down you have some in store.

Mark S. · Answer

@Lucas Hammer I take a bit of a different approach than the others IF it is a great tenant. I would leave the rent, as mentioned, but get them a little something for the inconvenience. Some will say that what you have is purely a business relationship and repairs are part of the business, which is true, but I try to keep very positive relationships with my good tenants (yes I send Christmas gift packs!)

Lucas Hammer · Answer

Thanks everyone for the replies.

@Patricia Steiner, I apologized in advance because I knew it would suck, but I severely underestimated just how loud it was going to be. Good call on leaving rent as-is.

@Mike Cumbie, just looked outside and the steps are almost out, so about 2-3 hours probably. That said, they have to exit through the backyard into the alley while the new ones are being poured/finished too, so a couple days of inconvenience, but the noise was the biggest concern for me sine my whole building was vibrating.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

I will agree with @Patricia Steiner and the rest. Don't touch the rent. I am guessing the jackhammer isn't going to be a long drawn out affair (Although I haven't seen your steps either so I could be way wrong). But movie tickets, a dinner out or something is a nice gesture that goes along way.

Lucas Hammer · Answer

Thanks for the reply @Frank S. Concrete work started right after 8, but Christ, it's loud. I severely underestimated how much noise from the jackhammer would get into the unit.

Standard to do anything for tenant after a big inconvenience?

Standard to do anything for tenant after a big inconvenience?

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