Renovation the lower unit while the upper unit is occupied

[Honglian Wu]

Hi All, help needed, any input will be great.

I’m a newbie in investment, we bought our first 3 family ( one single house, one upper/down duplex in the same lot)back in June when I just started listen to bigger pockets. It’s a deferred maintained property but we think it’s a perfect stating point, when we bought The lower unit of duplex was vacant, the upper was occupied but rent was quite under market value.

my husband is really handy, he really like to hands on but he does have a day job, his time is limit, he will fix up whenever he is off, meanwhile the project seems more complex than we initial planned, it’s quite bit drag behind.

The upper tenant has been very kind and really understanding since Jun. But lately she has been complain quite a bit like too much noise when my buddy is fix up. We do understand it’s disturb her right of quite ( not every day, average two days a week? ) , We felt really sorry for disturbing her but we do need to finish our project which drags way too long, we hope get the unit ready by end of the year.

Current is on month to month lease, our next plan is to fix upper unit. We don’t mind if she wants to move out but we do think she prefers stay as the current rent is really low.

So what’s your suggestion?

[Joshua D.]

@Honglian Wu

I don't know what tennant demand is in your area. But I would let her know that rent will be increasing soon and if she needs to find another place then I will give her a good reference while our relationship is still intact.

One thing I've found is that their is always another Good tennant out there. Don't be afraid to move forward.

Be kind and firm. Be friendly but not friends.

Good for you on getting a tri plex!

Remember to enjoy the journey!