All Forum Posts by: Wendy Jiang

@Wendy Jiang I know you've already moved forward, but like @R.J. Lange we would pro-rate rent if the house were inhabitable over any given overnight due to lack of heat.

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Thank you Nathan! And extremely helpful reminder on the pipes!!

Originally posted by @Nathan Gesner:
It's a personal choice. You already offered them a solution to stay warm. They've already told you they can stay with friends. You would have to do the same thing if your furnace went out.

You may want to keep the taps trickling to prevent frozen pipes while it sits empty.

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Thank you for your advice! I offered to put them in a hotel from Friday to Monday, they said thank you but not necessary. I think they have been very nice in this situation, too.

Originally posted by @R.J. Lange:

Hey Wendy, we come across this situation seasonally. We provide immediate heat to the property as you have done and if the repairs take more than 48 hours and the heaters are insufficient for the members of the house we will credit back the days the house is not habitable due to lack of heat.

If possible or you see it beneficial- It is also a good gesture to put them up in a hotel for a night or 2 or make sure they have a friend or family member they are able to stay with for good measure.

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Hi all,

I am wondering if I need to compensate the tenants in this situation and I am looking for your advice:

Wednesday: Tenants called and informed the furnace was not working.

Thursday (today): The technician evaluated and suggested getting a new furnace. Sales also came and provided a quote right away, however, they have to wait until Monday to install it. I just drove by and dropped off two space heaters. Tenants will stay there tonight. It's 38 degrees now.

Friday-Sunday: Tenants are trying to figure out but will likely stay with their friends. The temperature will start to drop tomorrow. The low point will be 13 degrees on Sunday.

Monday: New furnace will be installed.

I am debating if I should offer 5-day pro-rated rent as compensation. I made like 20 calls yesterday and today. This was the fastest solution I could possibly provide. I wonder what you would do in my situation. Thank you!

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Originally posted by @Mark B.:

@Wendy Jiang

Use an anti slip flooring if you aren’t going to use carpet. Look to the commercial options of flooring companies for ideas. Even if the material is expensive, you won’t need much.

Thank you Mark! I spoke with my contractor. He recommended putting metal edging on the stairs, which will significantly reduce the slippery risk. It doesn't look as nice as the original design, but there are some metal edgings that look nice.

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Originally posted by @Greg M.:

Originally posted by @Wendy Jiang:

I would put in LVP stairs due to durability and cost and not put any anti-slip tape on them. If the tape wears off, you're more likely going to be liable for harm caused. No tape and they are just normal stairs and if a person slips, they slip and it was their fault.

Only time I'd take more action is if the stairs don't meet current code. Then I might consider other actions like anti-slip tape.

Thank you. That's very helpful and it makes sense.

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Originally posted by @Greg M.:

Originally posted by @Wendy Jiang:

At this moment, I am leaning towards LVP stairs, but will send an email to tenants to warn the risk of slippery stairs and to encourage them to buy anti-slip tapes.

Dear Tenants:

I am aware of hazards in the home I rent to you, but I hope you will take action not to get harmed, as I won't.

Sincerely,

Your Landlord

PS: Please retain this notice so that if you do get injured you will be able to show the jury that I was fully aware of the hazard and took no corrective action.

Advice taken. I will put on anti-slippery tape for them. But I am guessing my real question is what will an experienced landlord do with the stairs? It's a difficult decision because I have slipped on both types of stairs. Thanks!

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My rental house is a 3-story townhouse covered by carpet and vinyl sheets. I have hired a contractor to upgrade the entire house to LVPs. However, for the stairs, I am having a hard time deciding between LVP and carpet. LVP will be easier to maintain for sure, but I worry about safety and liability.

At this moment, I am leaning towards LVP stairs, but will send an email to tenants to warn the risk of slippery stairs and to encourage them to buy anti-slip tapes.

I would love to hear suggestions from experienced landlords. Thank you!

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All Forum Posts by: Wendy Jiang

Wendy Jiang has started 6 posts and replied 29 times.

Post: Furnace Broke Down in Rental

Post: Furnace Broke Down in Rental

Post: Furnace Broke Down in Rental

Post: Furnace Broke Down in Rental

Post: Furnace Broke Down in Rental

Post: LVP stairs v.s. Carpet stairs

Post: LVP stairs v.s. Carpet stairs

Post: LVP stairs v.s. Carpet stairs

Post: LVP stairs v.s. Carpet stairs