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Our tenants moved out this weekend. Overall the house was a mess. But we are replacing carpets and having the walls painted so we're not going to dwell on that. The stairs however is an eyesore. We have wooden railings and spindles. Almost the whole railing from the first floor to the second floor has scratches but the worst part was the post upstairs was badly chewed up. They had a cat when they moved in 4.5 years ago but probably got a dog or a teething kid. Can I charge the whole repair or replacement against their $1500 security deposit? The tenant texted and said the pet deposit ($150) should cover that. We are still in the process of contacting local carpenters/handymen to get an estimate of the cost but I think it would use up all the $1500. Before they moved there we tried to sell the house first so it was in a very good move in ready condition. We already moved 2 months prior. TIA!
They had a cat when they moved in 4.5 years ago but probably got a dog or a teething kid.
Can I charge the whole repair or replacement against their $1500 security deposit?
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.
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.
I disagree with MrRational. This damage sounds like it goes above and beyond normal wear and tear. Since you didn't provide your location, you'll need to research your state laws about what you can/cannot deduct from the deposit.
The point is that the issue should have been settled when it happened;
certainly no later than the next semi-annual walk through inspection...
when the tenant w/should have been gigged for the dollar amount.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrRational
The point is that the issue should have been settled when it happened;
certainly no later than the next semi-annual walk through inspection...
when the tenant w/should have been gigged for the dollar amount.
Cosmetic damage caused by the tenant is not the LLs responsibility to fix & then charge for immediately.
Since the damage sounds as if it was caused by the tenant's pet (I highly doubt it was teething infant), why fix the issue if the animal is probably just going to scratch/chew it all over again?
The point is that the issue should have been settled when it happened;
certainly no later than the next semi-annual walk through inspection...
when the tenant w/should have been gigged for the dollar amount.
Maybe it happened during the last few months of tenancy, maybe the tenant hid the damage or maybe the OP just overlooked it during an inspection Either way, the tenant is responsible for the damage.
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.
Really? It was that bad? The cost of repair is going to be more than their security deposit. They have always paid on time so we thought we weren't going to have issues with them upon move out. This is only the first time we rented a property just because we couldn't sell the house back in 2013 so you are calling us irresponsible.
I disagree with MrRational. This damage sounds like it goes above and beyond normal wear and tear. Since you didn't provide your location, you'll need to research your state laws about what you can/cannot deduct from the deposit.
I'm in Missouri. Definitely not normal wear and tear. We lived in that house for 7 years before them, had a cat too but left the stairs in pristine condition before we left. I'm going to post a picture as soon as I gather them.
Cosmetic damage caused by the tenant is not the LLs responsibility to fix & then charge for immediately.
Since the damage sounds as if it was caused by the tenant's pet (I highly doubt it was teething infant), why fix the issue if the animal is probably just going to scratch/chew it all over again?
The tenants' lease ended today but they moved out on the 12th. The house will be listed for sale as soon as we fix all the mess they left.
Quote:
Originally Posted by reenzz
Maybe it happened during the last few months of tenancy, maybe the tenant hid the damage or maybe the OP just overlooked it during an inspection Either way, the tenant is responsible for the damage.
We didn't conduct inspections. We only had a final walk through before they completely moved out. They are a typical family with little kids and pet like us so we didn't think we would have issues.
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