I own a unit in a company title building which is currently undergoing fire upgrade work. In order to complete the work, people living on the top floor where my unit is located, will have to move out for 1 week. Who is responsible for the cost of rehousing the tenant while the work is carried out? Initially the building indicated they would pay for those affected to be housed in a nearby motel but now they are trying to backpedal and say they won't pay. Any advice please?
I'd say you're responsible since you're their landlord. Either help them end lease or put them up somewhere for a week. Whether you can claim this back from the building co is a separate matter. How long have you known about this for?
They rent from you, your responsible for supplying the place they pay rent for, the problem is nothing to do with them really.
Thanks everyone for your replies. Yes they are my tenants and yes we will do the right thing by them. However, as this fire upgrade is a building issue and not something isolated to our unit, I don't see why the cost to rehouse our tenants (and others on the top floor) should be borne by the individual owners when the top floor is becoming uninhabitable. Can it be claimed on insurance?
Ask insurance - but may not be worth it - It is maintenance, it is not really any different to say if it was a single house, also look at what decision was made by the BC, raise it at a meeting if the goal posts have changed. Not sure of your circumstance, but I would ask the tenant if they can stay with family/friend or go on a holiday and give them rent free that period, but if all belongings need to be moved, then it may not be so simple.
Umm, I don't necessarily think you're liable to "re-house" them. Depends what exact costs you mean...?
