A Squirrel Ripped a Screen - Tenant's Responsible?

Question

My tenant put a window AC in. The window screen above the AC unit is now ripped. She is claiming that a squirrel climbed onto the AC and scratched the screen and ripped it. I have no idea if they did it while they put the AC in, or if there really is an evil ninja squirrel. Sounds like a good excuse though.  How do you draw the line as to what to bill the tenants for (ie, use their security deposit for) versus just writing it off as bad luck.  Their lease is not up for another couple months if that has an impact.

Percy Matsunaga · Answer

@Dan L.

I’m not a handyman nor do I ever like doing things to fix around the house, but I can change a ripped screen.
you could do it!! Home Depot has a tool to put the rubber that holds the screen in.
just YouTube it. It’s super simple.
no need to call someone for that.

Like Ben states..don’t sweat the small things.

Elle Bee · Answer

You’d see tiny multiple claw marks with a squirrel. Not a gash.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

You charge the tenant when they are responsible. If you can't prove negligence or abuse, then you shouldn't charge them for it.

Ask the tenant to compromise. They can take the screen to Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or some other hardware store to be rescreened. It will probably cost less than $30 and the tenant spends the time. That's a pretty minimal cost on your part.

If they don't want to, just let it go. Deduct it from their deposit when they move out.

Ben Zimmerman · Answer

Replacing a window screen takes 3 minutes worth of labor and maybe 4 dollars worth of supplies.  I would just replace it and move on with life.  Don't sweat the small stuff or you will drive yourself crazy.

Theresa Harris · Answer

@Dan L.  if it is something the tenant did or could have prevented-then they pay for it.  So if they were moving furniture and broke a window or put a hole in the wall, they have to pay for repairs.  Another example is if you get mice because they keep leaving food out or  the house isn't clean, then they pay for that.

Dan L. · Answer

I was more wondering from a philosophical level, when to ding the tenant versus just eating the cost.

Dan L. · Answer

It's more than 3 minutes worth of labor!  To get a guy to go out there, take out the screen, remove the old, and install the new, then put the screen backon the window? It'll probably cost $50 with parts.  The most aggravating part is the house is being appraised tomorrow for a refi!

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd just replace it.  Yes they probably ripped it when they put in the window unit, but not worth arguing about.  Hopefully they put the window unit in correctly.

A Squirrel Ripped a Screen - Tenant's Responsible?

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