What should I do to help my tenant while my sewer is being repaired?
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What should I do to help my tenant while my sewer is being repaired?
I am renting out a room in my house – our sewer is blocked and the plumber says it may take awhile to repair. Meanwhile, we have limited use of our bathroom. Our tenant says he’s okay with the situation but are we still obligated to offer alternate housing? And if so, can we reimburse him for it by taking it off his next rent payment (we cannot afford to pay for it upfront).
Asked on March 7, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You sound like a good landlord. I suggest that if you want to make up to your tenant who is renting out a room in your home for the inconvenience with respect to the sewage you can reduce the following month's rent a certain amount. You are not obligated to do so, but by doing so, you are demonstrating a goodwill gesture. You are not obligated to tender alternative housing to the tenant.
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