Tenant damage question

[Michael Staiman]

Tenant lease is up in 2 weeks, Pennsylvania, we are not renewing. We do a pre inspection one month before move out. The place is gross, crumbs and stains everywhere. Kids used crayon on the walls, doors and shower surround. They want to paint every wall that was damaged themselves.

They have been using a hand rag in the shower and then hanging it over the side of the bathroom sink vanity. Th water has been running down the side of the vanity, pooling at the bottom and the side of the vanity has been soaking up the water and now is warped and swollen from the water damage. It’s about 24 inches wide and 3 inches high.

Since this can’t be repaired and it was brand new. Do I hire a plumber to replace the whole vanity? For the vanity, plumbing and labor, might be around $800. Do I just get an estimate and charge that amount to the tenants security deposit? If the plumber can’t do the actual work for 2 months since everyone is back logged, I only have up to 30 to return the remaining security deposit with the letter showing deductions.

[Theresa Harris]

Find another plumber that can do it in 30 days.  A good handyman should be able to replace the vanity.  Yes you take all of the damages out of the deposit.  If the paint job isn't done well, then you charge them for that as well since their kids drew on the walls.