If you own a rental property but had a tenant trash it when they leave then make sure you read this article because we’re addressing the all-too-common problem that landlords have when they say, “Help! My last tenant trashed my Southwest Michigan house!”
Do you own a rental property? Did you have a tenant leave it in less-than-perfect condition? It happens! In fact, it’s an experience that probably every landlord has faced at least once. If you looked at your empty rental property and said, “Help! My tenant trashed my Southwest Michigan house” then here are some things you can do about it…
Is it worth going after the tenant?
Before taking any action against a tenant, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the extent of the damage to your property and carefully consider whether pursuing the tenant for compensation is a worthwhile endeavor. Regrettably, in many cases, it may not be worth the effort, as attempting to hold the tenant accountable can prove to be both time-consuming and costly. The process may involve legal proceedings, fees, and substantial personal commitment, all of which could potentially outweigh the financial recovery gained from the tenant.
Nonetheless, if the damage inflicted on your property is substantial enough, it might be reasonable to pursue the tenant for reimbursement. In such situations, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional to help you navigate the process and determine the most effective course of action. Keep in mind that the success of your claim will depend on the specifics of your rental agreement, local regulations, and the overall circumstances surrounding the damage.
In summary, deciding whether to go after a tenant for property damage requires a careful assessment of the situation. Weigh the severity of the damage against the potential time, effort, and expense of pursuing compensation, and seek legal advice if you believe the damage warrants further action.
Is it worth repairing the damage?
From holes in the walls to missing toilets – we’ve heard of just about everything you can imagine! Sometimes a bit of drywall and paint will fix the problem, in which case you may want to fix it up and rent it out again, and then just accept the inconvenience as the cost of doing business. However, if the damage is not worth repairing yourself then you might be interested in a couple of other options:
You could rent your house to a handyman
One little-known option that is actually really helpful is to find a handyman who wants to rent the house. In exchange for a discount on rent (or even free rent) they can fix up the house for you to make it a nice rental property again. Make sure you have a timeline all spelled out, though, to avoid then staying too long without a lot of work getting done.
You could sell the house
Another option is to sell the house and move on from owning a frustrating rental property. However, be aware that if you try to sell the house on the open market, you may have to fix it up first in order for the agent to list it. Another option is to sell privately to a house-buying team like ours. (We buy houses in as-is condition and we’ll fix them up ourselves).