Car damaged by land care service

[Jacob Mulle]

I’m renting a house that has professional lawn care services set up by the landlord. The other day I noticed a large rip in the soft top of my Jeep Wrangler right after the landscapers left. My Jeep is parked in the driveway and they mow and trim right next to the vehicle. I know that somehow they caused the damage but I can’t prove it with video evidence or anything like that. I notified my landlord and they expressed empathy and said they would contact the law care company. It’s been two days and haven’t heard anything back. My question is who is responsible for the damages? I’m frustrated because I offered to take care of the lawn months ago and the landlord refused as the cost was already built into the rent. It doesn't make sense to file a renter insurance claim as I have a high deductible and it wouldn’t cover the $400 to replace the soft top. Am I sh** out of luck or do I have justification in asking for reduced rent next month to cover the cost to replace? Thanks! 

[Patricia Steiner]

The problem you have is that you really don't know who damaged your Jeep. Is there a chance that another neighbor might have seen something or have security footage to help you?  If you had any proof at all, you could seek damages from the landscaper - or even have your insurance company pursue a claim through the landscape company.  This isn't a landlord issue. He hired a company who is most likely licensed and bonded.  What you need is something more than a hunch on who did this.

And, about tenant taking care of the lawn...it generally doesn't work out well.  And, if the grass dies from something outside of your control (disease, drought, etc), do you really want to have your security deposit taken to replace the lawn?  Save yourself! Forgive your landlord...ask around about your jeep.  Someone may have seen something.