Behind the RENT Ordinance: Part 2

Repairs Gone Wrong: The Risk of Tenant-Approved Contractors

O-25-88 isn’t just about new fees and lease restrictions—it also opens the door to costly and chaotic repair disputes. Under this proposed ordinance, tenants could hire their own contractors for repairs and deduct the cost from their rent—without landlord approval.

In this second installment of our series breaking down Ordinance O-25-88, we’re digging into one of the most problematic provisions: tenant self-help repairs.

What’s in the Ordinance?

Section 14-28-11 of O-25-88 allows tenants to initiate repairs themselves and subtract the cost from their monthly rent payment. While this might sound like a helpful tool on paper, the reality is far more complicated—and riskier than it seems. Under this section:

• Tenants could select their own contractors without consulting the property owner
• Landlords would have no ability to inspect or approve the repair work beforehand
• The amount deducted from rent would be based on tenant-provided documentation
• There’s no guarantee the contractor is licensed, insured, or reputable
• And if a tenant doesn't pay a contractor, that contractor could put a lien on the property

In short: property owners could be left footing the bill for repairs they didn’t authorize, performed by contractors they didn’t choose, with no quality assurance or legal recourse.

Why This Matters

Allowing tenants to unilaterally initiate repairs and deduct rent invites a host of unintended consequences. From poorly done work to inflated repair costs and even mechanic’s liens, this provision creates liability headaches for responsible housing providers.

It also puts tenants in a risky position—shouldering repair coordination, payment, and potential legal disputes if something goes wrong.

Landlords aren’t trying to avoid repairs; they just want them done right. O-25-88 creates more confusion than clarity.

A REALTOR® Perspective

REALTORS® know that trust and communication are essential to landlord-tenant relationships. This section of the ordinance undermines that trust by cutting property owners out of the process entirely. Responsible rental management depends on coordinated repair efforts—not reactionary policies that bypass oversight and professional standards.

Stay Informed. Stay Ready.

The RENT ordinance was voted down by a narrow margin—but it’s not gone. Because it wasn’t formally removed from committee, it could come back as soon as the next LUPZ meeting on August 16.

GAAR remains committed to fighting for policies that are fair, balanced, and grounded in real-world property management practices.

Watch for next week’s blog:

“Public Records, Private Lives: What You Must Disclose Under O-25-88”