Can I deduct appliance repairs from tenant deposit

[Lisa Richardson]

Can I charge my tenant for repairs to the dishwasher because they used regular dish soap instead of dishwaster detergent? The dishwasher was brand new when they moved in 2 years ago.   

I have a second property that the dishwasher was 1 year old when they moved in and it didn't work when they moved out.  I can't get anyone to come out to service the dishwasher (crazy, I know) - can I deduct from their deposit for having to replace the dishwasher?  If so, what would be reasonable (obviously not the entire cost).

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Lisa Richardson:

1. Do not ever deduct anything from the security deposit during tenancy. That is for cleaning and repairs after termination and it's your leverage for compliance. Anything the tenant owes during tenancy should be charged and paid separately.

2. You could charge them, but it's a tough call. Did you warn them not to use dish soap? Dishwashers are pretty common, but there are still people out there that have never used one before so it's important to leave a set of instructions or demonstrate it. Same with garbage disposals, sewers, digital thermostats, electronic locks, garage door openers, etc.

3. When it comes to repairs, the full cost is reasonable. Replacement is based on depreciated value but repairs are based on the complete cost of the repair because the unit was operating normally and the tenant caused 100% of the repair. But, it wouldn't hurt to split it just to get something and teach them a lesson.