Hello:

My husband and I rent a unit to a person who stops paying us two months ago. Since we live in West coast and the property we own is in New York, it takes us long time to evict her, but finally it is in process of eviction with our friend's help. (We gave our friend our power of attorney so she can file eviction for us)
Now our friend told us that the steps of the front porch of that unit are falling off and need some repair. Even postman refuses to deliver mails since the mail box is located on the porch. We really cannot afford (And I really don't feel like) to spend money to repair steps since she lives our unit free for two months. Do we still have obligation to repair these steps?

Thank you

Hello Columbian:

The steps are going to be fixed for a whole lot longer than it takes to evict her. Even though SHE might be able to enjoy them for a month or two, YOU will enjoy the rent you receive from them for about 20 years.

So, your obligation isn't to her, but to yourself.

excon

I will add, if you neglect to repair something dangerous after being notified and someone is injured, the law suit will be for a lot more money than fixing the steps, and guess just guess who might be the perosn to fall from them, yep the tenant.

If you can not afford to do repairs to rental property, you don't need to own it and should consider selling it.

Thank you for your comments - I was a bit upset with her and the whole situation with her (she is literally destroying our unit)- that's why I got some attitude -
I will call the repair man and fix it right away..!

You or your friend needs to get to an attorney who is familiar with NY L-T laws and get the steps fixed. That is most certainly a housing violation.

If you want to keep the unit as a rental, hire a professional property manager to lease and manage the property.