Should I ask my tenant to pay for this?

Question

Scott M. · Answer

@Jeffrey Chang How sure are you the cap was on and sealed?  Have photos?  Anything to prove that was the case?  Maybe it was on but not sealed and when she moved some boxes down there it was knocked off because it wasn't sealed?

if you are not 100% sure I would not charge them 100%.  I would do the same at @Theresa suggested and do 50/50.  You will forge this, a lot of tenants won't.  Little things like this can mean a premature turnover.  Not staying 2 or 3 extra years, will just leave after 1 year is up because you charge them for things you are not 100% sure about.  $40 bucks now could cost a tenant turn.  Not saying this will happen of course but may be penny wise/pound foolish.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Jeffrey Chang a cap covering a sewer pipe that can be knocked off by a box?   A broken pipe next to an obvious pile of their boxes ok charge but don't those caps screw on?   It is as likely to be your previous plumbers fault as the tenants if it is that easy to knock off. just my thoughts, I didn't see it.

Michael King · Answer

Only $80. I'd let it go, personally. That's a cheap education for you on that pipe. I've paid a lot more to learn a lot less.

Matt M. · Answer

@Jeffrey Chang

Not worth typing this post over $79. Tell the tenant to keep their crap away from it, next time it’s in them.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

If there's no concrete evidence they're at fault, I usually err on the side of caution and offer to split it or let it go. Regardless, use this as a learning opportunity for the tenant and remind them they may be responsible if a problem is caused by their negligence or abuse.

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

Things like this I just cover and use as a learning opportunity for next time. Many of my tenants have been the unaware and uneducated...but also willing to text a photo of the problem and try something if I coach. So in my case I've fostered that so they will at least call me and try before I call someone.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I would tell him that someone took the cap off and he was the only one with access to it (if that is true) and offer to split the bill 50:50.

Julie Hartman · Answer

@Jeffrey Chang You will have a difficult time proving it was tenant caused. However, I would have a quick (friendly) conversation with the tenant about keeping the area free from clutter or the next one may be on them.

Javaras Thomas · Answer

@Jeffrey Chang I would say no, but definitely warm them that if they cause another issue they’ll be responsible for it.

Nick Barber · Answer

MAKE THEM PAY

Should I ask my tenant to pay for this?

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