Damaged rear door

tallac

To answer a few questions for context:

1. The door was open and got caught by a gust of wind which damaged it. So it wasn't malicious on the tenant's part.
2. Tenancy contract does state that tenant must make good on any damage to fixtures/fittings but it does exclude the normal wear and tear (which is reasonable). The contract states not making good on any damage would be valid reason to deduct a fair amount from the deposit.
3. Tenants are pretty good on the whole. However, I'm not sure what the cost of the fix is. If it is small then I don't covering it but if it is large then I will be more reluctant. However, I feel the question of who's footing the bill will be asked before I am able to find out the cost of the repair.

eddddy

tallac said:

3. Tenants are pretty good on the whole. However, I'm not sure what the cost of the fix is. If it is small then I don't covering it but if it is large then I will be more reluctant. However, I feel the question of who's footing the bill will be asked before I am able to find out the cost of the repair.

The tenants might have the same position as you - if the cost is small, they might not mind covering it.  But if the cost is large, they'll be reluctant.

But I don't see a problem with saying that you need to find out the cost before discussing who's footing the bill.


And when a you and/or a tradesperson looks at it, you might also want an assessment of whether the damage could really have been caused by a gust of wind.

user1977

And if it was of a design which was going to be damaged by being caught by a gust of wind, whether that ought to become the tenant's problem.

anselld

user1977 said:

And if it was of a design which was going to be damaged by being caught by a gust of wind, whether that ought to become the tenant's problem.

Its a door.   There is only one design which has stood the test of time if people are sensible enough not to leave if flapping in the breeze.

I would agree with the concept of give-and-take depending on how the tenant treats the place in general, but that does not change the starting point that accidental damage remains the tenant's responsibility.  Otherwise there would be no point in a damage deposit because everything could be discounted as "accidental".

theartfullodger

The landlord is responsible for external doors & locks.  I'd not let a tenant fix things like that (or most things). Who ends up paying is a different matter.

In your shoes I'd be grateful tenant's coughed.  (I had a 'phone call early one Sunday from a neighbour/friend 500+ miles away (from me, v close to property): Did I know about the kicked in bottom panel of front door...............)

Go round, have a look, work out best option - thinking about how long they will stay.. If e.g. there's a cheap option or change lock and live with a rough looking door, do it.  If they stay 20 years who cares what it costs...

Get it fixed, send copy of bill to tenants explaining (calm  & polite) who you think should pay then leave it at that. If they pay, great: If they don;t, put it in the deposit dispute box to be sorted when they leave.  If they stay another 20 years who cares... 

lookstraightahead

Our front door has expanded in the sun. I'm an owner so I is my responsibility when I slam it shut and it cracks. 

deannagone

I wonder if a change of hinges, repairing the frame if needed, and/or using longer screws will fix the issue with the back door? Its a fairly simple fix if so.  Depending on the weight and distance from the ground of the door its a one or two person repair.

BobT36

tallac said:

To answer a few questions for context:

1. The door was open and got caught by a gust of wind which damaged it. So it wasn't malicious on the tenant's part.

In my opinion, that's on you then. Clearly accidental, and is woven into the costs of running a business. You're responsible for fixtures / fittings and stuff like doors. 

There's a difference between "it got damaged" (wind, landlord fix) and "Tenant damaged it" (intentionally or VERY carelessly), in which case that'd be what the deposit is for. 
The deposit isn't just for fixing wear and tear and "damage" caused by chance or acts of god etc. If a paving slab fell off the roof, that's "damage", the tenant shouldn't pay for that, should they? It's not like they'll get the long term benefit of any fixes since they don't own the place. 

Chalk it up to the usual "loss" involved in running a business. Give tenant some advice (by letter or e-mail if want to cover back) on how to not let that happen again. If it does happen again (soon) then that time the tenant should probably pay. 

deannagone

Anyone ever heard of a paving slab falling off a Roof?  

BobT36

lol whoops I meant roof slab of course