Landlord or Tenant Responsibility: Garage Door Repair

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Landlord or Tenant Responsibility: Garage Door Repair

Natalie Keller
Member since 2021 · 3 posts · 0 votes

hey folks! we are new to being landlords. I would appreciate your input. Earlier today we received the following message from our tenants:

"Hi [...] I wanted to reach out about an incident this morning regarding the garage door. I went to back up and did not realize the garage door was open 3/4 of the way. (Im assuming it stopped due to being too cold) that said my car did hit it and so shayne called a repair guy and he came out and fixed it to be functional. The cost was 550 and we paid it already. The repair guy did say that he recommends getting a new one due to it being 20 years old. I’m not sure what you feel we should do next about payments etc. as it was an accident but the garage door didn’t open all the way. When you are able can you give my husband a call as he was the one who directly worked with the garage repair guy. If you have any further questions I’m more than happy to chat and can call you later in the work day."

I went through our lease agreement and tried to locate some relevant clauses. 

Overall, would we be considered responsible for the cost of the repair? they didn't notify us of the incident when it happened. we are not sure where to go from here. thank you!

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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
4y

It needs to be replaced because they hit it plain and simple.  That is their fault.  I doubt they can replace a panel or two due to the age.  You could offer to pay for part of it if you wanted.  They did let you know when it happened based on the email they sent.  They just chose to deal with the repair themselves.

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    It needs to be replaced because they hit it plain and simple.  That is their fault.  I doubt they can replace a panel or two due to the age.  You could offer to pay for part of it if you wanted.  They did let you know when it happened based on the email they sent.  They just chose to deal with the repair themselves.

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  • Joe Martella
    Rental Property Investor · Cherry Hill, NJ · Member since 2015 · 626 posts · 495 votes
    4y

    The door didn’t open all the way or maybe operator error and they hit the remote and stopped it.  Regardless, they backed into a garage door that wasn’t fully open.  How did they not see it?   I am assuming this is an electric garage door opener?   

    You can go about this different ways:

    1.  They hit a door.  The driver has a responsibility to ensure the door opens all the way before they drive into a Garage.  Tell them they are responsible for the repairs.  

    2. You could go half with them on the cost if you feel there was some sort of problem with the door. 

    3. You can tell them to go through their car insurance and get your insurance involved and let the insurance companies duke it out.

    Just some suggestions to throw out there.  I think I favor option 1. If the door only opened 1/4 of the way is it ok to back into it then? 



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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Natalie Keller:

    hey folks! we are new to being landlords. I would appreciate your input. Earlier today we received the following message from our tenants:

    "Hi [...] I wanted to reach out about an incident this morning regarding the garage door. I went to back up and did not realize the garage door was open 3/4 of the way. (Im assuming it stopped due to being too cold) that said my car did hit it and so shayne called a repair guy and he came out and fixed it to be functional. The cost was 550 and we paid it already. The repair guy did say that he recommends getting a new one due to it being 20 years old. I’m not sure what you feel we should do next about payments etc. as it was an accident but the garage door didn’t open all the way. When you are able can you give my husband a call as he was the one who directly worked with the garage repair guy. If you have any further questions I’m more than happy to chat and can call you later in the work day."

    I went through our lease agreement and tried to locate some relevant clauses. 

    Overall, would we be considered responsible for the cost of the repair? they didn't notify us of the incident when it happened. we are not sure where to go from here. thank you!

    Why are you asking this question when it was already asked and answered in the other forum?
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