Tenant needs basement renovation

Montréal, Québec · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 2 votes

Hello all,

I have rented a home for my tenant. Last week my tenant contacted me and said that the basement needs renovation. This is the first time I'm renting a property to a tenant. So I have few doubts. Hope to get all my doubts cleared.

As that is my property,first I thought of contacting with Walden home renovations Toronto for basement renovation. But as I have rented the property to my tenant, is it my responsibility to renovate the basement or should he undertake it?? I've been thinking about this for the past 1 week and not yet got a perfect solution. Who should take up the responsibility of renovation??

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Deanna McCormick

Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

they rented the house as it was at time of leasing, the basement was not renovated when they moved in and you have no further responsibility to improve the basement for them. I would never permit a tenant to do work on my property. If you choose to do the renovation or remodel the basement, find out what the code is for the work including any egress windows or exits, to be done, pull the permits and do the work. or hire it out.

Basically your increasing the living space and it would increase the value and rent costs of the property.

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David D Painter
Member since 2016 · 143 posts · 157 votes
9y
What do you mean by renovations? If it's something structural typically the owner pays for repairs.
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Deanna McCormick
Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
they rented the house as it was at time of leasing, the basement was not renovated when they moved in and you have no further responsibility to improve the basement for them. I would never permit a tenant to do work on my property. If you choose to do the renovation or remodel the basement, find out what the code is for the work including any egress windows or exits, to be done, pull the permits and do the work. or hire it out.
Basically your increasing the living space and it would increase the value and rent costs of the property.
1 Reply
Thomas S.
Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
9y
Tenants do not tell landlords their unit needs to be renovated, they rented as is and have the right to move when they choose.
You decide how to maintain your property and you pay to have the work done. A landlord should never allow a tenant to do any work on a rental property for liability reasons..
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Kim Meredith HamptonBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · St Petersburg · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9y
@Concetta Parsons I guess I'm a little confused as to why the tenant is telling you the basement needs renovation? Is there a water/moisture problem etc.... or do they just want cosmetic work done?
I too agree with everyone else, I never let any tenant perform repairs. I want all of the work done by licensed individuals.
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Jim Adrian
Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes
9y
Remember they rented the house "as is" and were ok with what they saw when then viewed the place. They are trying to push you around because you are a new landlord. I would set up a time to visit with them at the property and let them explain there side or wishes. If its cosmetic I would say no. If you feel compelled to renovate then remind them they we will need to sign a new lease at a higher price. If its structural or a life safety issue then you need to take care of this.
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Hai Loc
Specialist · Toronto, Ontario · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 891 votes
9y
Be careful there are bad tenants out there that know the system and can get free rent if you make 1 wrong move. If there is moisture problem or leak that causes mold you better fix it quick. If it's cosmetic I would ignore them.
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Concetta Parsons
OP
Montréal, Québec · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 2 votes
9y
Thank you all for your suggestions. Last day I went to check what's wrong and they told me that there's slight leakage in the basement and it needs to be fixed soon. I haven't seen a leak in my basement before, but anyway I thought of fixing it. They also told me that it will be better to give a new look to the basement. I cannot actually understand why they need to remodel. I asked them and they said that the basement is not looking good. How shall I react?? It is my property and I don't wish to remodel the basement. What shall I do now??
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Jack Thornton
Boise, ID · Member since 2015 · 9 posts · 0 votes
9y
I would tell them that you will have the leak looked in to, and based on the results of your expert will proceed with necessary repairs. You have no intention of doing any cosmetic work at this time however.

Keep it short, simple and unambiguous.

As others have said, the rental was not contingent upon any upgrades being performed. That hasn't changed.
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David D Painter
Member since 2016 · 143 posts · 157 votes
9y
The leak I would hire someone to fix if it actually does exsist. Renovations, tell them NO. They are trying to take advantage of you. They are crazy.
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Thomas S.
Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
9y
"It is my property and I don't wish to remodel the basement."
That is all you need to tell your tenant. If they did not like the appearance they should not have moved in. Let them know they can move out at the end of the lease.
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Colleen F.Pro Member
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
inspect for a leak based on what they tell you and fix it as well as anything damaged by it (paneling, drywall-in that area only, and only if damaged). Let them know that the basement was as they rented it, had it been renovated the rent would have been higher. You don't plan to renovate now or in the future.
They are likely pushing limits and think they can manipulate you, send the message that they cannot. A good strategy when you get questions you don't know the answer to, catch you by surprize, or you need to think about, is to listen, acknowledge what they say, and don't respond. Let them do the talking. Get back to them.
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Mike CumbieBusiness Member
REALTOR® · Brockport, NY · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
Hi @Concetta Parsons,
How long has your tenant been there?
Generally speaking I agree with everyone else. I'm sure the tenant wants the basement renovated... and the kitchen... and the upstairs bathroom.... newer windows will help with energy costs.... the technology in furnaces is improving and it could make a big difference to replace with new.... on and on. The leak, I'd say fix quick and make sure the basement is safe then be done. If the tenant has been there years I may look at some cosmetic touches if all else has been grand. If they are newer tenants time to set the expectations.
Just my 2 cents and good luck
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Jim Adrian
Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes
9y
@Concetta Parsons
As for the leak part of their complaint, I would want to see it leaking in person before doing any repairs to it. You need to understand what is leaking, how its leaking, where is it coming from for example. Have them call you when its leaking so you can stop over and see it first hand. Any repair person is going to want this info. Take pictures of the leak. Let the tenant know you will take care of the leak quickly once seeing and understanding the leak. The tenant maybe using the leak excuse to get a remodel.
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Concetta Parsons
OP
Montréal, Québec · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 2 votes
9y
Yesterday I told them that I'll fix the leak, but I will not remodel the basement. They actually didn't like my reply, but anyway I hope they'll understand.
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Matt P.
Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2015 · 625 posts · 601 votes
8y
@Oliver Bond. Maybe make your own thread instead of coming in with no advice and trying to hijack this one? lol
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Matt P.
Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2015 · 625 posts · 601 votes
8y
Everyone posting here is right on... get a professional waterproofer out there to take a look and take action based on their findings. The basement remodel is a NO all day.
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