Tenant Caused Water Damage

[Ryan Cormier]

Tenants kids were playing in bath and got water all over the floor. It seeped through the flooring and soaked through the ceiling of the tenant below. Ceiling fell down. What should I do? Who pays for it?

[Thomas S.]

Does not matter if it is in the lease or not the tenant is responsible for damages, tenant pays. Inform the tenant they are responsible for the cost to repair. Hire a contractor and bill the tenant for the work. If they refuse to pay evict and take them to small claims court. Garnishing wages is the easiest way to collect. Do not under any circumstances deduct the cost from their deposit if they are staying as tenants.