How to react with tenant

Question

Hello to all,

I had to send a contractor to waterproof the basement of my rental unit. The contractor did some concrete stains on the tenant's rug.

The tenant is asking me to refund her the rug. As the contractor is willing to give some little money, who is responsible for the rug?

I have already paid the final invoice to the contractor.

And the rental unit is located in OH.

Do you think I should intervene in order to calm down the situation?

Thank you for your enlightenment.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It's the contractor's fault. They should know the risk of damaging personal property and instruct the Tenant to move their belongings out of the way or cover things with plastic. It's probably not a large enough expense to go after the contractor unless this is an expensive area rug. You hired the contractor, so poop rolls downhill. Just do the right thing and buy them a replacement rug.

P.S. I would not give them cash. Make sure they are paid for a comparable rug, not a bigger/better one, and make sure they don't just take the cash and pocket it.

Christophe D. · Answer

OK, very well. The contractor will pay for 75% of the Rug, I will pay the difference.

The tenant is happy and this is the most important part.

Thank you.

Andrew Freed · Answer

@Christophe D. Always ask yourself this prior to any interaction with a tenant, how would I want to be treated in this scenario? If this is truly an issue, I would consider intervening and buying the tenant a new rug while you seek reimbursement from the contractor.

At the end of the day, it wasn't the tenants fault that their rug was ruined. And it is in your best interest to keep the peace and be seen as a resource and problem solver to your tenant. Your tenant will have a better view of you as a landlord and as a result, reciprocate in treating your unit right and paying on time.

Andrew B. · Answer

If your agent damaged tenants property, you're responsible. If this was a cheap contractor, instead of a large company, I wouldn't go after him for it. I'd mention it, tell him I covered it, please be more careful next time. It isn't worth ruining a relationship with a good contractor over a cheap rug. If it was a large construction company or group, I would tell them I need to be reimbursed. That's why you pay more to use them.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd put the contractor in contact with the tenant and let them sort it out.  The contractor is at fault and from what you said, he offered to pay for damages.  It could be a matter of simply cleaning the rug or perhaps it needs to be replaced.  Get photos and find out how much the rug cost and how old it was.

Scott M. · Answer

At the end of the day you are the one responsible to pay for the damages regardless if the guilty party will or won't, the contractor.  Contractor did the damage and they are the ones that should pay but you may or may not get them to pay so up to you to cover the difference while you and contractor sort it out.

Christophe D. · Answer

Thank you all for your so fast answer.

I was in that mood also to save for my tenant/landlord relation.

Thanks.

Michael Dumler · Answer

@Christophe D. this appears to be a very minor situation when at least compared to other tenant stories shared in the BP forums. If the contractor damaged the rug, then they should be responsible for replacing/paying for the item. If the contractor is with a company, reach out to the organization to inform them of the incident and have them pay for the damages. Also, I would ask the tenant to provide pictures to get more insight. At the end of the day, I would not stress out over this matter. Let the tenant know that you're sorry the incident happened and that they will be refunded for the rug. Hope this helps!

How to react with tenant

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