Have you ACTUALLY been sued by a tenant?

Question

I've done a lot of reading on Bigger Pockets and know that tenants like to threaten to sue, but have you actually ever been sued?  Can/will you tell us about it please?  I think this exercise will be a good learning tool for many of us.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

once  over a deposit.. in 42 years   threatened pretty much ever six months..

Thomas S. · Answer

I have never been sued by a tenant but I have had tenants take me to small claims court. I have had mixed rulings but nothing I did not expect.

Rob Lane · Answer

I have been doing this for 20 years and have never been sued.  Ive sued previous tenants for destroying homes but if this ever happens your typically covered by the homeowners/landlord insurance policy on the dwelling.  I also recommend you  add extra layers of protection like an LLC and a living trust.  Also keep your properties tip top to avoid any issues that may occur.  My personal house is the mechanics car.  Im always putting my rental property  issues in front of my own as we live in a litigious society.

Jeff Rabinowitz · Answer

Only once by a tenant. They didn't think I returned enough of their security deposit. They filed suit in small claims court and won. The magistrate made an error. I consulted with my pre-paid legal plan attorney (no charge for the consultation) and I appealed the decision to district court. I won. The swing was ~$500 in the tenant's favor to ~$1,500 in my favor. I collected every penny.

John Thedford · Answer

Yes. The other party lost. Caused me a lot of stress.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

Company I worked for I know of 2 incidents, both slip falls, Ice, snow.. for injuries.

We had snow log to chart salting and sanding.. but company still had to pay for injuries.

Also child death in swimming pool, not quite sure what was settlement in that one, they can always find something owner is % responsible for that may have been issue.

Have you ACTUALLY been sued by a tenant?

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