Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I think you would have a hell of a nerve to even try.
Not that their actions didn't create the damage but that you knew so little
of what was going on with your property. Irresponsible owners don't get a pass.
100% wrong. Tenant is responsible for damage, regardless of when it occurred.
I think you would have a hell of a nerve to even try.
Not that their actions didn't create the damage but that you knew so little
of what was going on with your property. Irresponsible owners don't get a pass.
Tenants always think repairs cost much less than they do. Replacing stair parts isn't as easy as replacing worn flooring or cleaning up a dirty place. I suspect stair parts aren't one of those things that have to be prorated and depreciated for wear like carpet. Stairs should last the life of a house.
OP, that is damage and yes, you can deduct the cost to repair/replace from the tenant's security deposit. You're on the clock, so make sure you're following your state laws for deductions.
Thank you all. Somehow I couldn't attach pictures. I found the MO state laws re security deposit and I think we are good. I have other things that I can itemize that would go against the deposit if the tenants contest the stairs repair. Ugh it is frustrating! Definitely not going to be in the rental business.
I think you would have a hell of a nerve to even try.
Not that their actions didn't create the damage but that you knew so little
of what was going on with your property. Irresponsible owners don't get a pass.
What? The tenant caused damage *well* beyond normal wear and tear. That's literally exactly specifically the very definition of what security deposits are for.
Thank you all. Somehow I couldn't attach pictures. I found the MO state laws re security deposit and I think we are good. I have other things that I can itemize that would go against the deposit if the tenants contest the stairs repair. Ugh it is frustrating! Definitely not going to be in the rental business.
So either deduct those from the security deposit as well or forget it. Don't add those on only if they contest the cost of repairing the railing. If you go to court, a judge would not look on that favorably.
So either deduct those from the security deposit as well or forget it. Don't add those on only if they contest the cost of repairing the railing. If you go to court, a judge would not look on that favorably.
I was thinking of listing them all at once so that they know that it's not only the stairs but the stairs will already be over the $1500. We don't plan to charge them for anything over the $1500 although it was stated in the lease. "In the event the security deposit is not sufficient to correct or repair the damage or restore the loss due to Tenant's non performance, then Tenant agrees to pay such additional amount upon notification of the dollar amount." It is just too much headache dealing with it.
I was thinking of listing them all at once so that they know that it's not only the stairs but the stairs will already be over the $1500. We don't plan to charge them for anything over the $1500 although it was stated in the lease. "In the event the security deposit is not sufficient to correct or repair the damage or restore the loss due to Tenant's non performance, then Tenant agrees to pay such additional amount upon notification of the dollar amount." It is just too much headache dealing with it.
I would list everything and send the bill. You don't have to pursue this bill in court if you don't want but they might actually pay it. I've had tenants pay bills that were less than $100 after a few years had passed. It always shocks me when I get a check after a couple years and don't get a reference call to follow that up with but it happens.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
