Do I Have to Reimburse a Tenant for Repairs?
What if a tenant makes repairs without permission… what are your obligations? It depends on the contract language.
Save for a very few specific caveats, the contract we use at 24 Hour Property Management in California states that the tenant may not make alterations or repairs without your explicit permission. And, if they do, they are not entitled to reimbursement through any means: “…without Landlord's prior written consent, (i) Tenant shall not make any repairs, alterations or improvements in or about the Premises […]; (ii) Landlord shall not be responsible for the costs of alterations or repairs made by Tenant; (iii) Tenant shall not deduct from Rent the costs of any repairs, alterations or improvements; and (iv) any deduction made by Tenant shall be considered unpaid Rent.”
However, it may be mutually beneficial to you and the tenant to allow the tenant to make specific repairs and deduct from rent. Whatever arrangement you have, whether you are the landlord or the tenant, make sure that it is clear and in writing in order to protect both parties from any misunderstanding. And if you choose to enter this arrangement, make sure that you collect a receipt for your records.
Contact 24 Hour Property Management, Inc.
If you any questions about your obligations to your tenant, legal or moral, or any other question related to property management, please contact us so that we can answer your questions and advise you. You can reach us seven days a week at 949-409-8585 or you can check us out on the web at 24hourpm.com.