Getting quotes for Itemized Security Deposit Deduction

[Angel Riera]

Hey folks, 

New landlord here closed on my first multi two months ago. Finally got a nightmare tenant to move. They didn't pay the last months rent and left behind a lot of damage (big holes in the wall, broken door frames, hole in the standing bathtub). I'm trying to get together an Itemized Security Deposit Deduction Form and then maybe take them to small claims court for unpaid rent. Do I need to get formal, written quotes from companies for these repairs ? If not how have y'all gotten numbers ? Most companies I've reached out to for the jobs only provide numbers over the phone. Also any general advice for making the claims?

[Bruce Woodruff]

You'll want to have written quotes on letterheads from multiple contractors (licensed of course). Pictures. Statements from witnesses. The more paperwork you can throw in front of the Judge the better.

Just be aware that once you win the case and have a judgement, you still have to collect, how are you planning on doing that? The defendant probably wont even show up, so you will have a judgement by the end of the day, but have a plan to enforce it, just because you win the SC case doesn't mean there will be cash waiting there for you...... :-)