What are my rights if my landlord is renovating the building?

Your Lease Still Applies

If you have a fixed-term lease, renovations don't change your rights. Your landlord cannot terminate your lease early to renovate, and the lease terms (including rent amount) remain in effect. If renovations make the unit uninhabitable, you may have claims for breach of the warranty of habitability.

Notice Requirements

Landlords must generally provide advance notice of renovation work, especially if it involves: entering your unit, shutting off utilities, generating excessive noise or dust, blocking access to common areas, or requiring you to temporarily vacate for safety reasons.

Rent Reductions

If renovations significantly impact your use of the apartment—prolonged noise during reasonable hours, loss of amenities, utility shutoffs, or restricted access—you may be entitled to a rent reduction proportional to the impact. Some rent-controlled jurisdictions have formal processes for requesting renovation-related rent reductions.

Relocation Assistance

In some cities (particularly those with rent control), landlords must provide relocation assistance if renovations require tenants to temporarily or permanently vacate. This can include: payment of moving costs, covering temporary housing, and the right to return at the same rent after renovations are complete.

Protecting Yourself

Document the impact of renovations on your living conditions: noise levels, dust, utility disruptions, and access issues. Communicate in writing with your landlord about the timeline and scope of work. If conditions become uninhabitable, this documentation will support your claim for rent reduction or lease termination.