Renew or not renew? HAP tenant, been in the apt for 20+ years.

Renew or not renew? HAP tenant, been in the apt for 20+ years.

Port Chester, NY · Member since 2016 · 210 posts · 157 votes

So we have an old 3 unit building in Stamford which we've been updating where we can. The roof and siding has been updated, windows, doors, etc.  One of the HAP tenants moved out, so we are redoing the whole apartment. Nothing is staying as it's all old and outdated or in bad condition. Prob. investing around 20k in the apt.  It's a 3 bedroom / 1 bathroom, which should fetch around 3.6k - 4.0k for rent.  Now, the 1st floor is the same as this unit, but she's only paying 2500.00 and we're also covering the utilities. To add insult to injury, the original owner of the building has a HAP for a 2 bedroom unit when it's a 3 bedroom unit; and there's no way to change that aside from non-renewal. We can only request market rate for a 2 bedroom, so unless we throw them out, a daughter in her late 20's and her mom who's in her 80's or 90's, we have no other options.

I hate to be guided 100% by money, but the inspections are crazy, hate having to cover the utility bills and the unit is also trashed, so it needs a remodel as well should we have to turn it over.

What would you guys do?

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    The unit is losing $1,500 a month, $18,000 a year. To put it another way, you are personally subsidizing the Tenant so she can live in a place she otherwise couldn't afford. I bet you don't do that for your own family members!

    mMove them out and get to market rate before the government decides to implement rent control and you lose the option. The extra income will enable you to maintain the property. 
    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
  • Member since 2019 · 215 posts · 122 votes
    3y

    I would agree that you should serve a notice and renovate the property.  They've had a great go of it but the increased rents alone covers your entire rehab budget on one unit.  Additionally if the unit is trashed there may be other issues you are not aware of.  I would stagger out the rehabs so you don't have multiple vacancies.  I doubt having both empty at the same time would provide enough of a bulk savings to offset the rent loss.  Just give them plenty of notice so they have time to locate a new location if you want to be more generous in the situation.  Also make sure you split the utilities when you complete your remodel.

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