Re: Tenant kicked in door can I charge them for repair

Re: Tenant kicked in door can I charge them for repair by Shaun (FL) on April 18, 2012 @13:28

Call whoever you use for repairs or your favorite contractor.
Have him/her fix the frame so that it opens, closes, and locks as it should. Repair damage to the exterior wall and interior wall (if any) and the interior door trim. Never seen a exterior door kicked in that didn't damage the interior trim. This all includes chaulking and touching up the paint.
Pay the contractor or handyman. Make a copy of the bill, send the copy with a letter explaining what the charges are for... Damage to the front door and requesting immediate payment.
There is a good chance they will not pay right away. When they pay their rent... subtract the cost of the door FIRST. Then ask them where the rest of their rent is. Here is where states vary. If you are allowed to accept partial rent payment, then take the rest of the money and Pay or Quit them for the rest of the rent. (In FL I can't take partial payment and still P/Q) Do not take it from the deposit, that is for when they move. If they are fussing and fighting your are going to need all the deposit.

You are really going to need your big girl pants, b/c tenants will promise the world, "I'll have it by Friday", etc... and it is so easy to give in. NO matter what they promise Post the Pay or Quit so that if they do not follow through and pay, you have leverage.

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