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How to assess damage caused by tenants?

  • 04-09-2007 8:33pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 59 ✭✭


    Hi all,
    I had a post up before about some damage done by tenants in a house I'm letting. They have now moved out, but before I give them back their deposit, Ive to assess the cost of the repairs. Havent a clue how to do this.
    1. A chest of drawers was burnt or something on the top and looks horrible now, it was brand new. How do I charge for that?
    2. A brand new carpet was burnt with something and they tried to repair it by sticking down a piece, looks terrible. Carpet guy said it couldnt be repaired. Do I charge for a new carpet?
    3. A wool carpet in perfect condition now has 2 huge make up stains, again carpet cleaner said it was impossible to remove them. Option is to cut out some of the carpet and seam a new one. Again, how do I charge.
    4. Hardwood floors downstairs are full of stilletto heel marks which are quite deep. Met a guy today who is sending out an estimate for sanding down and revarnishing. Problem being he has to do the whole floor to match the colour. Do I charge them for this?
    5. A rug downstairs is clean, but it was brand new and now has 3 noticeable cigarette burns in it.

    Seriously I am worried about how much these repairs are going to cost, and I am even more worried the deposit wont cover it. I dont want to be a bastard of a landlord but its gonna be hard to show the house with it not being at its best. Any ideas?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,580 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Depending on how long they are there, you could look at charging the full amount, less the following:

    1 years - deduct 20%
    2 years - deduct 40%
    3 years - deduct 60%
    4 years - deduct 80%
    5 years or longer - deduct 100%

    You can write off your furniture as an expense agaisnt tax over I think 5 years. However, burning stuff isn't acceptable.

    Can the chest of drawers be sanded and polished?


    Lesson, in rental properties, go for cheaper dark carpets with patterns - stains and burns are much less obvious.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 59 ✭✭jetlagged


    Hi Victor they were in the house 4 months. I gave them a clause in the contract to get out of it by a months notice, so the deposit is due back.
    Because obviously I'm not a landlord full time, it is going to be 2 weeks before I can re-let the house. Thats rent that I had planned to have coming in, lost.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 517 ✭✭✭SarahMc


    I would think the stilleto marks are just wear and tear. After all some-one was just walking on the floor in high heels.

    Lesson, in a rental property go for laminate.


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