My place is ruined, as a landlord what do I need to collect?

Question

My renters decided to use the carpet in my rental as a doggie urinal. As a result the place has a very strong smell of urine and there are large, dinner plate sized plates all over the carpet. The condition is so bad I will need to rip up and reinstall the entire carpet. Also, no new renters will take the place due to the condition.

I do have the security deposit, and plan to keep it, but it won't cover the cost of replacement. My question is, do I need some kind of appraisal or justification to keep all the money? Do I need to document anything? And can I do anything to recoup the rest of the balance it will cost to repair the damage, or even the payments for missing a renter?

Answer 1

I do not know if you can collect on missed rent, but if the damage is so bad the damage deposit won't cover it, then yes get 3 estimates, and take your renter to court. Have a nice day, good luck. you may need to get a law er and check n the laws in your state.

Answer 2

You can keep all of the security deposit, I would take some photo's just in case there are any problems with the old renters wanting their money back.  There is nothing you can do to get the rest of the money to pay for the carpet, you can just up the rent on the next people that move in.  I would put in a new carpet as soon as possible and you will get new renters in no time.

Answer 3

Did you do a pre move in inspection and document damages and have them sign it?

What does your lease say about excessive damage recovery?

You need to take pictures and document everything with receipts ect.

File small claims suit and good luck! No gaurantees.

Answer 4

Yes you need to document everything! Take pictures get a few estimates! And get everything in paper and pictures!!! No you cannot get lost payments for a new renter.  You can take the other amount to small claims court, But i doubt it would be worth it. Just keep the security deposit and buy cheap (new renters may ruin anyways). New rugs does not cost that much, especially cheap carpet.  Unless the left over amount is more than $500 don't bother suing.

Answer 5

You can only charge your ex-renters for the remainder of the life of the carpet Usually 7 - 10 yrs.  If it was brand new when they moved in you can charge them the full replacement value.  If the carpet was already say 5 yrs old you can't charge them full replacement value only the remainder of the life of the carpet.  No Matter what you need to send them a letter stating why you are keeping a portion of their deposit or all of the deposit.  If the deposit doesn't cover the value you decide you also need to inform them they owe you an additional $X.XX.