Response to maintenance requests that are responsibility of tenant

[Martin Guerrero]

Have a new tenant that started July 1, she reached out for a maintenance request for a ceiling fan blade that broke, I plan on rejecting her as this was the tenants actions that caused the damage. Was thinking saying “unfortunately we are not responsible for any damages caused by tenant as per the lease agreement.  We do recommend looking at Home Depot or Menards as some stores sell the fan blades.”  Thank you 

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

You do not want Tenants to repair ANYTHING except holes from hanging pictures at move out! You certainly do not want them deciding to replace the entire fan, which leads to electrical work and proper hanging attachments.

You/your Handyman (or other contractor depending on the issue) repair/replace as appropriate, and bill the Tenant for reimbursement. The vendor's invoice should include a statement of their findings as to cause. You then provide a copy of the invoice, and if it is an element that you depreciate, calculate the percentage of remaining life that the Tenant would be responsible for if being replaced. Also provide a due date for the reimbursement, and if reasonable, a short payment plan option for costly items.