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Last month I stopped fixing tenants' issues out of my own pocket | Property Management - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals

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zarat37•1mo ago

Last month I stopped fixing tenants' issues out of my own pocket

I had a guy call me last week about a leaking pipe in his unit in Dallas. Over 3 years I always paid for repairs myself to keep people happy and avoid drama. But last month that cost me $1,200 for a water heater that was only 2 years old. Turned out the tenant broke it by messing with the settings. Now I send every repair bill to the tenant if it's their fault. Has anyone else had to switch to charging tenants directly for damage like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

cora8131mo ago

Wait, but isn't that kind of the cost of doing business as a landlord? I mean, yeah it sucks when a tenant breaks something and you're out $1,200, but how do you even prove they "messed with the settings" on a water heater? That sounds like something a landlord would say to avoid paying, not gonna lie. In my state you'd have to have rock solid proof, and even then you'd probably lose in court if the tenant fights it. Maybe it's just me but sending every repair bill to them seems like a good way to drive away decent tenants and end up with the kind of people who'll trash the place out of spite.