Re: Who pays for broken front door to rental unit?

Re: Who pays for broken front door to rental unit? by tenant advocate on April 18, 2016 @19:32

I haven't looked up the exact laws in your state but I have to say that from what you say you don't have any evidence that it was them. Basically you only know that they drink (as most college students do to varying degrees). Often landlords try their hardest to pin it on the tenants simply because that works out better for them financially.

I would say they should be filing the police report as well or at the very least demand that they cooperate with the police and give written statements. If they lie to the police then they will be breaking the law. If they did do it there is a good chance they might just come clean to avoid having to do that.

Generally AFAIK it is customary to not charge the tenant for damage which occurs from outside from vandalism or burglary attempts. I know that some landlords put it in their lease or try otherwise but generally I consider it a bit of a scummy thing to do and in some states that may not be legal or enforceable.

AS others said though if they damage your property it is probably best to get them out or not renew the lease depending on your exact situation. Renting to college students is always going to bring the risk of this sort of stuff though to some degree.

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Re: Who pays for broken front door to rental unit? - Landlord Forum thread 344477