Security Deposit/Damages Questions - Landlord Forum thread 362427

Security Deposit/Damages Questions by w on July 22, 2023 @12:47

North Carolina

I would appreciate some input regarding assessment of damages. I want to make sure my reasoning is okay. I just had a tenant move out. This tenant was in my home for 13.5 years. Paid rent on time. Took pretty good care of the place until notice to leave was given.

1. Genuine oak hardwood floors were newly sanded/refinished less than a month before tenant moved in. Damages through to wood will require sanding and blending, overall recoat to house to rid other gouges/scratches and bring uniformity. I figure a useful life of 27.5 years, so I'm charging for the 14 years left rather than the full estimated cost of repairs. Does this sound like the right way to go?

2. Refrigerator has severely damaged shelving, missing drawer, and another damaged drawer. However, it is 14 years old. I'm guessing I should just waive the costs due to it being beyond useful life?

3. Tenant completely clogged main sewage drain last December (2022). Due to urgency as the entire house had no drainage, I took care of it immediately. Rooter service wrote nothing wrong with my sewer lines, and he removed (his words) 50+ "flushable wipes" via the cleanout. Had to make three additional trips in subsequent weeks @ $375 each, not charging me for final trip in January 2023. I did not indicate to tenant I would cover this, but I failed to bill. Should I charge the tenant, or has too much time passed?

I appreciate any input. There are plenty of things I'm waiving for this long-term tenant, but I also don't want to nickel-and-dime myself.

Thanks,
wlb

[ Reply ] [ Return to forum ]

Re: Security Deposit/Damages Questions by lpadave on July 22, 2023 @14:45	[ Reply ]

13.5 years is an astounding long tenancy - say thank you rent in full and on time for 13.5 years -- say thank you everything with the possible exception of the toilet stoppages . falls within normal wear and tear / depreciation / usefull life. what is considered ''usefull life'' foR irs tax depreciation purposes,.....is not real world for rental property. i would probably let it all go,.....maybe have a conversation about the toilet stopages and work out some dollar amount as you had to respond severfal times and they kept doing it. clean it up and re rent asap. thats the business youre in. hope your next tennent will be close to as good as your departing one . whats the dollar total rent received over 13.5 years. i'd bet it paid off your mortgage / initial investment more than once! karma goes around

Re: Security Deposit/Damages Questions