All Forum Posts by: Pratheek Lakur

I would hire a pro to repair the floor and then pass that on to the tenant. I would charge $100 for the dings on the fridge. I wouldn't charge anything for the lawn because (a) it doesn't sound like your watering system was 100% functional when they moved in, and (b) it doesn't sound like you stressed the importance of reporting malfunctions so you could repair the system.

@Pratheek Lakur I would charge for the door as it seems extensive if that is all scrapes, I have never replaced a fridge door for dents though.  You might look at the cost of a new door and charge proportionally to the age of the fridge. It would matter to me if they were there just a year for this damage. The floor I would charge what it costs to repair. Alot depends on where the damage is. If it is visible damage in the middle of the floor and deep you may need a professional repair otherwise you might just be able to touch up with stain and charge them for supplies. 

If the tenant had called you and said your irrigation isn’t working, you need to fix it, that would have been on you. They didn’t call but I would just tell them “next time tell your landlord. It’s easier to fix the irrigation system than the dead landscaping.”

Either personally or with a flooring guy I’d try to cover up the scuffs with wax/polish/wood marker, I don’t think most new tenants would see or care. If you did this tomorrow moving a couch at your place, would you replace the flooring? I bet 95%_ wouldn’t at their own expense. 

The fridge dents bother me the most. In contrast to some/many I would never buy a scratch and dent appliance for my rentals. It sets the tone that you don’t care about the property, and some dents are expected. I don’t know if there’s anyway to fix it but there should be a charge. I might get a new door estimate but I wouldn’t charge them that much. There are some fridge door coverings (usually for adding stainless look to non-stainless appliances.) you could look at/for those? Otherwise I don’t know what a judge would call fair, $100-$200?

Quote from @Pratheek Lakur:

Hello,

Our first tenant is moving out early next week and I have had a chance to walk the property and have noted several damages. I have scheduled a contractor come assess how much the repairs would cost but wanted to get an idea from the folks here on how to approach with the charges on the tenant.
1. Looks like they messed with irrigation and there are patches of the yard that has developed cracks because of low moisture. What part of the cost is to incurred by the tenant for the repairs? 100%? The yard was not completely green when the tenant moved in but we didn’t have dead grass or cracks in the ground.

2. Several small dents and scuff marks on the refrigerator and there is no way to fix most of them. I read few responses and saw folks suggestion like 50$/dent? 
3. 4 spots on the wooden flooring with scuff marks that needs fixing. It does not look like regular wear and tear. Would I be right to charge the full cost to repair?

It’s my first time renting a home so would appreciate all the response/help from the community. 

Thanks,

Pratheek

 Personally, the yard stuff and "you did not have dead grass", a tenant is typically responsible for lawn care but not maintenance. I would not charge a tenant anything for that.

The scratch on the floor, those look minor to me and I would consider wear and tear. The refrigerator is the only thing I would probably hit them up on, as long as it was them that did it. 

Also make sure you give them the list and them the option to repair it first if your lease says that.