As a rental property owner, you will likely encounter some lasting rewards and some temporary setbacks. While it is always very rewarding to help other families find a home, it can be incredibly stressful when they leave those homes with damages. If this is your first time dealing with less than ideal exits or simply an issue with a current tenant that you still have, here are a few pointers on how to deal with rental property damages without losing your mind or being unprofessional.
Take genuine stock of the damage.
A rookie mistake to dealing with property damage is expecting that any damage that your tenant leaves was done with malintent. This is not always the case. The following are the three main types of damage and how to spot them.
1. Accidental Damage
This damage is unintentional. Your tenant may call up with news of the damage or you may see it upon departure. It is important to keep a trusting communication with your tenant so that they feel comfortable coming to you and you feel comfortable with them living in your rental property.
2. Careless Damage
A poor tenant is one that does not perform regular upkeep around the home. In some cases, constant neglect of a property can lead to near-permanent damage, such as wood rotting due to water damage, stains on the carpet, and more. There is also the rare case of tenants breaking or destroying things on purpose.
3. Normal Wear and Tear
In rentals, normal wear and tear is to be expected. If you had a tenant that left after 4 years and the carpet isn’t what it used to be, that is generally normal wear and tear. It can also include peeling or faded paint, varnish wearing off of flooring, and worn off enamel in tubs, toilets, and sinks.
Read over your lease and take action.
The next steps really depend on the contract, but in most cases, the tenant is responsible for damage costs. If the tenant doesn’t want to pay for the damage, you can then take it from their security deposit. Please remember to show receipts as proof to remain professional and within the legalities of your state. This protects you as well as creates a civil environment for situations that might not always feel very civil.
Use this time to prepare for the future.
Consider this a learning curve. Remember to screen your tenants better in the future. Get a background check, or do some extra reference checks. You might also want to go over the contracts that you currently hold. While you cannot amend the ones you have now, you can change your wording in the future to ensure that you don’t have to worry about damage costs in the future.
Contact Specialized Property Management Birmingham
Owning investment properties will generally offer more perks than downfalls. It’s important to move ahead and remember why you started. Our expert property management team in Birmingham is patient and professional when dealing with these situations. We would love to help you manage your properties in an efficient and civil way. Contact us today for a quote! Click here for a comprehensive list of all of our Birmingham property management services! Contact your Specialized Property Management Birmingham team today at (205) 417-1475