Is a dented appliance normal wear?

Question

Hey guys, would you consider putting a dent in a stainless fridge normal wear?(quite noticeable dent at eye level) If not, how does one charge for damage that can't be fixed?

Michael Boyer · Answer

A few issues...

Provided you meticulously documented the move in and move out condition with a checklist and probably photos, you could offset the deposit....

The risk is the tenant challenges it, then you have to weigh small claims or something.... here you will need the best facts... And, for example, as mentioned above, what are the damages (a new door or dimunition in value).. If it still operates, you probably won't want to deduct the entire value.

If you don't have great documentation, and it is minor/cosmetic, maybe you just focus on the next tenant rather than chasing the old one or arguing with them. If it is a major noticeable dent as you hint, I would explore an offset and sending the write form to the tenant. If you suspect a challenge, maybe have a appliance repair bid and your move in checklist ready.....

Finally, you may have higher end rentals than me, but I go with very plain white, mid grade, most durable appliances I can find.... Sturdy as can be... nothing fancy as they treat it like, well, a it was not their's...

Kyle J. · Answer

I thought I was the only one to have a tenant put a bullet into the side of a fridge.  LOL

Colleen F. · Answer

If it is significant you can order a replacement door.  I have charged for dents and paint. It really depends on the level of rental and how bad it is how you repair it.  For students who are the ones who dented the fridge for us it was not worth replacing.   I can't imagine how people do some of the things they do.

Alain Perez-Majul · Answer

@Carlos Enriquez Lol!! That would be interesting to hear how he managed to do that, and of his disappointed when his act of slickness didn't go as planned :P

Carlos Enriquez · Answer

Years ago my friend managed to get a bullet hole in the side of his fridge.  He put a sticker over it, but when he moved, the owner peeled the sticker and charged him to repair the hole.

Steve Vaughan · Answer

Probably not normal wear and tear @Will Grabert.  Look like a knuckle dent?  Lots of adults throwing tantrums like a 2 year old in the cereal aisle punching my fridge doors, too!