Wear and tear vs. damage and how to deal with tenants threatening a bad review

[Micah Smith]

Hello,

I have let a tenant know I would be charging for a couple things, including a pretty bad water stain on a nice new wood coffee table. Tenant complained that I wanted to charge for the stain, for diminished value of the table. I decided not to charge her so she didn't leave a bad review, but I think she should have paid, it would have shown integrity. Is something like this considered damage or normal wear and tear? It was not a small, minor water stain. And it was a nice table before they marred it.

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

What do you mean by "I have let a tenant know..." ? If you have your "before" photos documenting move in condition, and a photo of move out condition, with an invoice for the cost of refinishing or touching up the top as necessary, simply deduct it from SD, send them copies of all. If they post a bad review, respond to it professionally with the same evidence for all to see.

Depending on what type of property this is, and the actual value of the furnishings, you may want to either apply a more durable finish to some pieces, or replace them altogether with more tenant friendly qualities.