Tenant damaged countertop, can I keep deposit?

[Rob Sahney]

Hello,

I have a rental condo in Pleasanton, CA. My tenants just moved out after staying for a year and have apparently burnt the kitchen countertop. They suggested staining it, but that hasn’t helped.

The countertop was in very good condition before and it now looks like a mess. Please see the pictures before giving them and after they moved out.

1) Can I deduct their security deposit for replacing it?

2) If you notice, my kitchen has the same finish countertop in 3 areas. Can I charge them to replace all 3, if we don’t find the same one? As just replacing one, without finding an exact match will look odd

3) How much can I charge them? I had purchased this condo 2 years ago and it looked like the Seller had just upgraded the bath & kitchen (including installing a new countertop & cabinets), at that time.

4) If I’m allowed to deduct their deposit, do I just need a quote for this, or would we actually have to get the work done? Cause I’m concerned that their deposit won’t cover it, as they also have to pay for cleaning the condo & carpet stains. Can I deduct their deposit, based on a quote provided or would I actually have to replace it, to deduct their deposit?

I’m a new Landlord and would really appreciate your guidance with this.

Thanks!!

BeforeAfterKitchen Layout

[Colleen F.]

 Of course he says that, he makes more if you change them all out.  Get more then one quote.   I would get an estimate for the sink cutout portion stained to match for the tenant and charge them accordingly. I would then put in solid surface countertops for the rental even if they cost more.   Frankly with that setup laminate will cost less then butcher block I think.