How much to deduct for damage to bath vanity drawer (MDF)?

Question

Tenant did not maintain bath vanity and it sustained irreparable water damage.

Unfortunately the vender does not sell the drawer face individually, but only sells the entire vanity. Should I guesstimate how much a drawer would cost from the replacement total, or should the tenant be billed for the cost of the entire replacement (minus prorated value for time in use), since I would not be replacing it had it not been damaged.

I'm in California.

Greg M. · Answer

The current value of the vanity.

It cost $500 and has a life expectancy of 7 years. If it is 5 years old, you charge  (2/7)($500) = $143.

Simon Chang · Answer

On a similar note, does anyone have a reference to comprehensive life expectancies of items inside a house. The sales material doesn't even mention this and of course material choice will have a lot of influence. I had put in the MDF cabinets because the wife liked the look and that was prior to any decision to turn it into a rental. It's already lasted 13 years...

Simon Chang · Answer

Bruce got to the crux of what I was inquiring about: Prorating cost of one drawer or entire vanity?  Since the damage was limited to one drawer, but it necessitates the purchase of entire vanity (even though I just swap out a drawer).

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Yes, the entire vanity prorated...but DO NOT use MDF in a bathroom, that is on you...

Nathan Gesner · Answer

An unmatched drawer is unacceptable unless you are in a D-class rental. Replace the entire vanity. I charge a depreciated value for materials (see Greg's post) plus the full cost of labor.

How much to deduct for damage to bath vanity drawer (MDF)?

Most Popular Reply