This morning (Sunday) I received a call from a tenant notifying me that the electrical pole fell and was disconnected by the local fire dept. and energy company after having been called to the residence by a passerby. I called an electrician to come out today for "emergency" repairs. This should not take more than a day or two to have everything reconnected including the time it will take the energy company to inspect and bring back the meter. The tenant is requesting I provide a hotel for him to stay in at my expense. I am willing to reimburse him for the rent he has paid for any days that this issue is being corrected. What am I required to do?

Hello Linkin:

Unless you were negligent about the pole or the electricity, you don't have to provide them anything - NOT even the rent abatement you so generously offered.

Things happen. If their car stopped running, they still have to make their payments... Your mortgage company wouldn't let you off the hook for a few days. Why should you let them? The answer is, you SHOULDN'T.

excon