Hi.. I am a recent landlord and have had problems with my tenants in which I have asked them to pay for damage to my property. They have since written me a letter back saying that will not pay for the damage because they feel they are not at fault. The issue is the washer machine they installed aparently was installed improperly due to excessive water under the washer machine leaking to the first floor ceiling causing 6k in damage. I have hired a contractor and plumbing both confirming there were no signs of leaking pipes and thermal images from the contractor shows water originating from the laundry area directly under the washer. What are my next steps for claiming money to pay for the damage the tenants have created. I have already payed for the repair of my home.
2007-10-30 11:52:26 · 4 answers · asked by Johnny H 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If I choose small claims court is it advisable to wait until the tenants lease ends in about 6 months. I'm concerned that if I take that route now they may damage the house more, plus to evict takes time and more money.
2007-10-30 12:02:43 · update #1
I do have a lease drawn up that is managed by a property manager. I do have one months security deposit.
2007-10-30 12:03:57 · update #2
It's probably a case for small claims court.
2007-10-30 11:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Angie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to establish who is in control here. Right now it sounds like the tenants are in control and you are not. You cannot beg them or ask them to pay for water damage they caused by installing a washing machine which then leaked. You must demand they pay. If you have no rental agreement that spells out the terms of the tenancy then you better think about drawing one up. If you don't have definite rules and regulations and enforce them then the tenants will be leading YOU around by the nose all the time, and that is what they are doing now.
I bet you have no security deposit either.
2007-10-30 19:01:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have adequate evidence of tenant liability for the damages caused. If there's $6000 involved, chances are that they are NOT going to agree to pay willingly. Time for small claims court, if your small claims court has a suit limit sufficiently high. Not all do.
Don't be afraid to evice these losers at the same. If they caused $6000 damage to your house and feel no responsibility for it, why would you WANT them as tenants ?
2007-10-30 20:08:57 · answer #3 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, it's a small claims court issue. Get rid of them and keep the security deposit.
2007-10-30 18:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋