No one wants a damaged property, especially if that property is meant for renting. It’s a huge problem when a tenant damaged a property, whether it’s intentional or not. Oftentimes, both tenants and landlords are clueless on how to handle to this tricky situation.
If you’re a tenant who’s currently in this kind of problem, then it’s time to take matters in your own hands. Learn how to solve this dilemma by following the steps below:
1. Inspect the damage
The first thing that you need to do is to see the damaged part with the landlord. Tell the landlord your story on why the damage occurred. Be sure to take pictures of the damages for the sake of documentation.
2. Identify if it’s fair wear and tear
Of course, you have to identify if the damage is simply a cause of wear and tear or if you are truly the one to blame for the whole damage. If it’s wear and tear, then your landlord have the sole responsibility to solve the damage. How to know if it’s wear and tear? The following are some examples:
- Broken appliances due to age
- Painting and redecorating problems
- Discolorations of furniture
- Damage due to natural disasters
If you admit that it’s your fault, you better talk to your landlord. Below are some examples of damages that the tenant might have caused:
- Broken windows caused by the tenant
- Damages after a party or a celebration
- Damages caused by the tenant’s pets
- Damaged appliances because of tenant’s overuse
- Malicious or intended damage to the property
3. Do not forget the lease
Read up on the lease that you and your landlord signed. There might be clauses that say that any damages will be paid by the landlord or vice versa.
4. Use the security deposit
A way in which you and your landlord can avoid further dispute is to use the security deposit. Remember that the landlord can only use it upon the last day of the tenant on the property. When using the security deposit, make sure that the following is included: the amount that was deducted, the invoice of all the repairs that has been done, and receipts of the repair.
5. Prepare for eviction
Eviction can get ugly. But if the damages that you have done in the property is beyond repair, then the landlord has the rights to do it. If you breached any terms about repair or if you refuse to pay for the damages, then the landlord must notify them of their eviction 30 days prior to their eviction day.
The best thing that you can do in this situation, if you’re truly at fault, is to own up to your mistakes and to talk to your landlord. Your landlord will surely appreciate it if the two of you will be able to meet in the middle.
Image source: http://www.persquare.com.ph/for-sale/development-central-visayas-cebu-cebu-city/single-detached-house-in-liloan_117621 – Primary Homes