Over time apartment complexes are going to need renovations to keep up with the evolving themes and technologies in our modern world. What happens if you can’t wait until your units are vacant to renovate? Even though you own the property, the tenant occupying your space also has rights. As the manager, making an effort to not disrupt a safe, private and quiet living situation should be a top priority. If the tenant is experiencing inconvenience, displaced or, worse, becomes the victim of a crime, it could mean you will face legal trouble for breaching the lease. Before you make a decision to proceed with renovations, is it worth the potential trouble?
Does your property need maintenance or repairs because of a safety hazard? If there is an issue that affects the safety of your tenant, it needs to be repaired as quickly as possible. If your tenant’s roof is leaking or there is an electrical issue with the wiring throughout the apartment, this needs to be attended to immediately. The tenants will understand and be grateful that you are taking their safety seriously despite the temporary inconvenience. What if you are wanting to make a change to the kitchen, you must first weigh the different factors that come with that choice. How long will the renovation take? How much will this renovation affect your tenant’s daily life? What is the return on your investment versus ending the tenant’s lease early? Think about whether the potential profit is worth the risk of potential liability.
After you’ve considered all your options and decided to move forward with renovating your unit while it is still occupied with a tenant, here are a few practices to help you stay in compliance legally and continue to have a good relationship with your tenant:
Maintaining a beautiful and safe rental property is an important part of investing in a successful apartment complex. Having good relationships with your tenants is an even bigger part of being successful. Are you looking to renovate a tenant-occupied space? Alterra Construction Services has a dedicated and skilled team to help your renovations become a reality, and we are practiced in courteously renovating tenant-occupied units. Contact us through our website or give us a call at 615-438-5734.