Repairs that go against the deposit

[Allen Collier]

My tenant’s dog tour a door, door frame, and the wood floor up trying to get out of a bedroom. They have moved out. I haven’t returned to deposit yet. What can I deduct? Materials and labor wise. Everything? Preying door, nails, stain, etc etc? Can I charge labor if I do the repairs myself?

[Thomas S.]

Landlords may not legally charge for there time. Material yes, time no. You can do it, you can charge for it, you may get away with it but if challenged you will likely lose. It's your decision.

Landlords should always hire contractors to perform repairs and submit the contractors bill to the tenant. You must provide a bill as proof of costs for repairs. Either material receipts or contractors bill. You can not make up numbers or bill based on estimates. Landlords are only legally entitled to actual/real repair costs.