Tenants cousin kicked in front door

[Cassandra Olivier]

So here's what happened. My tenant called me with some "bad news" and preceded to tell me that "someone" kicked in their front door and was caught red handed taking stuff out of their house and ran away. The police were called and a police report is being filed. The tenant offered to fix the door and we could take the money out of her deposit. However, after my husband talked to her, she said that it was her cousin that kicked in the door. 

My question is, since this is the first time something like this has happened to us, who pays for the door? In our lease it states "...reimburse Landlord, on demand by Landlord, for the cost of any repairs to the premises damaged by Tenant or Tenant's guests or business invitees through misuse or neglect..." I don't have a copy of the police report yet because this happened yesterday. 

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Roy N.]

@Cassandra Olivier

Send your handyman over to replace the door straight away - it's a security/safety issue.  The door in your picture is an old solid wooden door, likely with a built-to-size frame/jamb.  If you choose to go with a modern steel door, you may end-up replacing the frame/jamb as well.

Once the door is fixed, I would invoice the tenant immediately for the costs (materials, plus labour) and have payment due either immediately or within 15-20 days.  Do not agree to deduct the costs from their deposit as you may still need that to cover other damages or expenses when the tenancy ends.