Tree Damage to Tenant

[Clifton Ho]

Hi Guys,

I have a rental property in Kansas City, MO and a tree branch on my property has fallen and damaged my tenant's car that was parked in the drive way. He is asking for my insurance or me to cover the damages. He showed me pictures which are minor dents and nothing too serious. Who should be liable for the damage? I live in California so I am not able to monitor the health of the tree on a frequent basis. But this is the first time I heard of the tree branches falling over.

[Andrew B.]

Only way you could be held responsible, IN my non-expert opinion, is if the tenant gave you notice that the health of the tree was cause for concern, and you did not respond in a timely fashion.

Otherwise, this is considered an act of god and he should use his own insurance. (I promise those dents wont be a big deal to him anymore) Take this time to remind him how important renter's insurance is and reiterate that your lease states you are not responsible for damage to tenants property.