MY RENTAL HOME

[N3OO]

I rent a nice two story home to a couple in their 40's.....she works , he doesn't and is always home....no problem with them at all , place kept nice and clean.
Got a phone call the other day ASKING if his mother in law can move in with them ....she is 89 years of age and has no other place to go , or can't afford to go to a home care facility. He stated that he could use the upper level bedroom for her....and the bath room is only a few steps away making it a doable situation indeed. But my only concern is a flight of steps ( about 15 carpeted)leading down to the kitchen, living room etc.
She surely can't spend all her time in her bedroom and will have to travel these steps daily.....making it a fall hazard for her ....and me worrying about this situation.....yikkkkkessss.
SOOooo what would you do? Forget about the idea? Put her name on the lease too. Have them prepare a legal document stating/ clearing me of any legal liability in case of a fall etc. Raise the rent for Granny being there?
I'm just trying to protect my butttt from any recourse / or any negative about this ....you know what could happen etc. I want to do whats right in my heart....but don't want to create a monster that will bite me on the a$$ for being a nice guy.
What would you do huh? Again , I can simply say no.
BOB in PA.

 

[flacoman]

Get a legal beagle on it ; if you can get a release that sticks you can do it.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Do those people have renter's insurance? Normally I think renter's insurance would cover such situations when someone who is not on the lease (a guest) gets injured on the property.

But yeah, I would consult a lawyer on this.

 

[Burt]

Allow me to give a non-legal opinion. I question whether you can discriminate based on her age related disability. I don't think that any legal document can lower the standards that you would otherwise be held to, but maybe expressing reservations is adequate to give you some defense. You could threaten to file a claim with a human services agency, but unless you know that this person is flat out incapable of making it safely up the stairs that seems premature. You could offer to install a powered lift seat that would get her up and down in return for some financial consideration. Medicare or other agency may pay for particularly if it keeps her out of a nursing home.

 

[javacontour]

I think a lawyer is the best one to approach with this question.

If they have a current lease, then you are not discriminating by saying you are not willing to re-work the lease to add another tenant.

Also, if they are good, reliable renters, it's hard to think they might need to go somewhere else.

I certain have some understanding of the dilemma. I think you need the recommendation of a lawyer here.

 

[opus1]

This screams "consult with a lawyer" to me.

In addition to the physical issues you mentioned, I'd be concerned about her mental state due to her age. For example, what if she does make it down the stairs, lights the stove and burns the place down? And I guess I'm focusing on this because this happened to a family member (by marriage) who had an elderly parent move in with them.

You don't want to lose a good tenant, but you don't want to set yourself up for a lawsuit either, either due to age/ability discrimination issues or liability issues.

Talk to a lawyer.
Talk to a lawyer.

And in case I didn't make myself clear, talk to a lawyer.

Good luck.

 

[Schmoe]

CYA my friend and document, document and then document some more.