Damage caused by vandals?

tallac

My father has a single property that he is the landlord of. The tenants have recently reported some vandals causing damage to the garden fence. Unfortunately, it happened when they were not at home so they don't know who did this. The fence does need to be repaired but is it the tenant or the landlord that is liable for the costs?

Thinking about other scenarios and who would be liable for the cost:
1. What if the damage was caused by weather?
2. What if the damage was accidentally caused by the tenant?

Stubod

..Landlord...

1616six

What does the tenancy agreement state?

user1977

Why would the tenant be liable for anything other than damage they've caused?

If, say, the roof blew off in a storm, would you think that's the tenant's responsibility?

What does your dad's tenancy agreement say?

And as you're also a landlord, what do your own tenancy agreements say?

ThisIsWeird

The LL covers the buildings insurance. In theory - provided the policy covers it - they should be able to make a claim for vandalism, but I suspect a police case number would be required. Failing that, I reckon the LL would need to dig into their pocket and cover it themselves.

For your two other scenarios, 'fences' are rarely covered for storm damage (as I discovered last year), for the simple reason, I understand, that folk would endlessly claim to have their decaying fences replaced. Timber fences are practically 'consumables'! So, the LL would usually be responsible for repairing them if storm-damaged.

For damage caused by the tenant, an insurance claim by the LL might well be possible - if the insurance co accepts the cause. Failing that, I guess the tenant is liable.

propertyrental

tallac said:

My father has a single property that he is the landlord of. The tenants have recently reported some vandals causing damage to the garden fence. Unfortunately, it happened when they were not at home so they don't know who did this. The fence does need to be repaired but is it the tenant or the landlord that is liable for the costs?
Landlord or his insurer.

Thinking about other scenarios and who would be liable for the cost:
1. What if the damage was caused by weather?  Landlord or his insurer.
2. What if the damage was accidentally caused by the tenant? Probably tenant.

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