What do you think - should I just pay? (apartment, lease)
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My tenant just informed me the door lock is broken and wants me to replace it. [SIZE=3]The contract states that the tenant must take good care of the unit and all equipment and fixtures in it and must, at tenant’s cost make all repairs and replacements whenever the need resulted from tenant’s act or neglect. I don't think they purposely break the lock but it was good when they moved in 15 months ago ... any thoughts? [/SIZE]
i've seen door locks go in a year. depending on the type of door you have. making the tenant pay could create an annoyed tenant....choose your battles.
My tenant just informed me the door lock is broken and wants me to replace it. [SIZE=3]The contract states that the tenant must take good care of the unit and all equipment and fixtures in it and must, at tenant’s cost make all repairs and replacements whenever the need resulted from tenant’s act or neglect. I don't think they purposely break the lock but it was good when they moved in 15 months ago ... any thoughts? [/SIZE]
I'd just replace it. Especially if they have been good tenants who pay the rent on time. Like the previous poster indicated, a lock is a quick and inexpensive fix, while having a tenant move because the place is no longer safe is not only more costly, but a PITA as well. You yourself indicate that you do not think they purposely broke the lock. Locks sometimes just fail, and it is up to you as the landlord to provide an apartment that is habitable. An apt that does not have a door lock would be considered by the court to not be habitable. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.
You yourself say that the tenant did not purposely break the lock. That leaves wear and tear or a cheap lock with a short lifespan. Looks like you are on the hook, my friend.
i've seen door locks go in a year. depending on the type of door you have. making the tenant pay could create an annoyed tenant....choose your battles.
Agree with this. A broken lock doesn't necessarily mean the tenant did anything wrong, things just break sometimes. Unless you have a specific reason or evidence that the tenant's wrongdoing broke the lock, I think you'd be hard pressed to pass the repair off to the tenant under a lease with the language you quoted.
shouldnt cost you nearly that much. go cheap and do it yourself.
I wish I know how but in any event I think toll and bridge will cost me $20 something dollars ..
Quote:
Originally Posted by KoalaNJ
I'd just replace it. Especially if they have been good tenants who pay the rent on time. Like the previous poster indicated, a lock is a quick and inexpensive fix, while having a tenant move because the place is no longer safe is not only more costly, but a PITA as well. You yourself indicate that you do not think they purposely broke the lock. Locks sometimes just fail, and it is up to you as the landlord to provide an apartment that is habitable. An apt that does not have a door lock would be considered by the court to not be habitable. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.
Just my 2cents.
KoalaNJ
There are actually 2 locks (top and bottom) and 24 hr doormen so I don't think safety is an issue here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerseyjersey
Agree with this. A broken lock doesn't necessarily mean the tenant did anything wrong, things just break sometimes. Unless you have a specific reason or evidence that the tenant's wrongdoing broke the lock, I think you'd be hard pressed to pass the repair off to the tenant under a lease with the language you quoted.
Well, I guess I should have add a deductible clause when I did the contract - I had one when I was renting and I certainly took care of everything and didn't bother my landlord with everything that broke.
In any event, I think I will just pay and make my tenant happy.
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but in any event I think toll and bridge will cost me $20 something dollars .. 
