I am a Landlord being sued by my tenants for non-repairs...?

Question

I have two tenants in a property suing me for non-repairs in separate lawsuits. My property manager was the culprit, because they did not properly notify me in telling me what the repairs were so that I can make them. One of the tenants is suing for a dollar amount way over than what the repairs actually cost, As a result I fired my old property manager as well as let the tenants know in writing as to why they were being fired. I then hired a new one to help me now finally get a repair list which I am planning to make immediately, but the lawsuits still stand.

If I make the repairs immediately, do I have any recourse with the courts prior to the court date? Any small feedback is appreciated!!

Answer 1

Honestly, it still falls back on you and not the property manager.  It is your responsibility to make sure everything is correct and working smoothly, right?

In regards to the person suing you over the limit, what was the repair for?  Was what needed repaired cause damage to items within the location?  Maybe the tenant obtained an estimate from a company to repair the item and that is what the company was going to charge.  

If I were you, I would get everything fixed before the court date.  If this is done, I would write a letter to the tenants informing them that the repairs have been completed and you are very sorry.  If you are that nice, maybe cut them a deal on rent for next month for what they had to go through???  Then, ask them if they are still wanting to pursue there case.  If they say no, then have the contact the court and have the court send you something indicating that you are not required to appear.

If you do not receive anything telling you not to appear or if they still want to purse the case, then yes, you must appear.  However, get all the documentation and proof that the repairs are fixed, being, fixed, that you fired your old manager, hired a new manager, etc.

Answer 2

If you make the repairs immediately and no one was actually physically harmed...faulty steps or bashed in the head by falling stuff or sick due to black mold...they might forgive you. Unfortunately, you are ultimately responsible and the repairs were your responsibility.  You might reread the lease.  I actually got all pissed off at an old landlord in college and she sent me a letter saying I needed to read my lease.  I was actually responsible for general repairs up to a certain dollar amount. It was right there in the lease.  Check it out.