Garage Door Hit

[Andrew Prouse]

I have a ally fed garage and the tenants  contacted me to tell me the garage door was broken. When they sent pictures, it had clearly been backed into and they claim that they have no idea how this happened. The door is completely destroyed and needs to be replaced.

I'm trying to figure out who is responsible for paying for the damages. The tenants claim that they have no knowledge of how this happened. It is a single lane alleyway with no cameras, but also no reason for a car to be turning around in the alleyway.

It's somewhat suspicious, but when I asked to meet them at the property, they said that they both had engagements and would be out that night.

My feeling was that this was beyond damage caused from normal wear and tear, and that it would be their responsibility to pay to have it fixed. Am I thinking about this correctly? Who is responsible to fix things when there's no proof who did the damage?

thanks for your thoughts. 

[Richard F.]

When they initially informed you of the issue, your immediate response should have been for them to send you a copy of the Police report, and turn the claim in under their Renter's policy. Follow up with a letter requesting photos of the completed repair for your files. 

If you get no response, drive by or schedule an inspection in 30 days to see if repairs have been made.

This is no different than the old "burglars broke in and stole our rent money" grift. Don't fall for it.