Damage is the one word you do not want to hear at the same time as renting out your own home.

Property damage is understandably one of the top concerns for 28% of the property owners we questioned when it comes to leasing their property. 

However, rental properties do not remain in the same condition indefinitely, and damage can occur even with the best of renters. However, there is a delicate line between normal wear and tear and renter damage to property.

If there is damage to your rental property, such as holes in the walls, torn carpets, or developing mildew, it can be difficult to ascertain who is responsible for repairs and charges without becoming a game of who says what.
To help you understand this, you should ensure the tenant screening process with specific questions to ask tenants. Things like “How much money do you make each month?” and “When do you plan to move in?” can help you make a better decision. We created an informative article that outlines your responsibilities as well as those of your tenants if damage to a rental property is caused by them. If an issue arises, you’ll know exactly how to handle it, determine who is to blame, and protect your property from further damage.

Has a Bad Tenant Caused Damage to Your Property?

In most instances, the costs for repairing unintentional harm may be deducted from a tenant’s protection deposit.

However, you should decide which forms of harm are resulting from the tenants and which might be a result of everyday wear and tear or an getting old house. If you have tenancy problems and the renter refuses to pay for maintenance, you can want to rent a mediator or flow to small claims court.

You must follow a few easy principles to assess whether or not the tenant has damaged your property. One of the landlord and tenant’s rules is that on the day the renter moved in, they both had to check the apartment. You’ll want the renter to recognize the flat or house’s condition in writing.

Once your tenant has chosen a move-out date, you can compare any damages. Furthermore, while charging tenants for any damage to your rental property, you must consider the following factors:

• • The broken item’s age

• • The initial expense of repairing or replacing damaged items or property

• • How much does it cost to replace an appliance or item altogether?

• • How long will it take to fix a section of the house?

What Should You Do If a Tenant Damages Your Property?

If a tenant damages the rental unit, the property owner should research the state’s security deposit laws. Landlord-tenant rules differ from state to state, especially those concerning security deposits. Furthermore, Landlords in Connecticut are allowed to charge a $50 non-refundable rental application fee. 

For example, Connecticut law requires landlords to give tenants 30 days’ notice and specifies what landlords may deduct from security deposits. Check your state’s laws to learn what you can charge tenants for property damage.

Landlords cannot generally charge their renters for regular wear and tear on the property. Only if a specific item or area of the residence was abused or neglected may the landlord demand a renter to bear repair costs. Otherwise, normal property use should not cause considerable damage.

For example, if doorknobs go loose or the shower needs re-caulking, this is considered normal wear and tear. Landlords, on the other hand, can charge tenants for carpet stains and broken tiles.

Furthermore, landlords can examine their property insurance coverage to see if certain types of repairs are covered by the insurer.

Estimating Repair Costs :

Do the maintenance for your rental apartment require the services of a contractor? If this is the case, you need to get two or three estimates from experts for those repairs. Then, you can use these estimations to justify the rent you charge tenants. You can provide the estimates to the tenants as well as the court or mediator if necessary.

After estimating repair costs, you must offer the tenant an itemized stock of the damages as well as the cost of each repair. Provide all repair estimates or receipts to the tenant. After that, you may take the expenses out of the tenant’s security deposit. 

However, if you notice any damage during the tenancy time before the renter moves out, you can give them a notice for the issues along with an invoice stating what they must pay. You might want to think about selling a home with tenants after an eviction if the tenants are not paying their rent on time and you are experiencing serious issues with them.

Wrapping Up,

After absorbing the insights provided in this article, you should feel prepared to navigate instances where a bad tenant inflicts damage on your property. In situations where tenants become uncooperative, whether it involves reluctance to cover repair costs or failure to meet monthly rent obligations, legal recourse might be necessary. 
If you find yourself in need of professional assistance in managing such situations, consider reaching out to reputable property management in Bridgeport CT. One such notable entity is Idoni Management, known for its expertise in addressing property-related challenges and facilitating effective solutions.