Renting a home comes with the responsibility of keeping it in good condition. However, we all know that accidents happen. Whether you accidentally broke an appliance, stained the carpet, or your pets have caused damage, it’s important to know what happens if you damage a rental property. Today, we’ll review how to fix damages before you move out, tips to prevent damage during your lease, and how to resolve disagreements over damages with your landlord.
Key Takeaways:
- If you cause rental property damage, notify your landlord right away to prevent issues from getting worse, maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship, and reduce repair costs.
- Fixing minor issues yourself (with approval) before you move out can help protect your security deposit and avoid disputes over damages.
- Regular cleaning, timely maintenance reporting, and avoiding unauthorized alterations can help prevent damage and disputes during your tenancy.
What Happens After You Damage a Rental?
If you damage a rental property, whether it’s an accident or not, you’ll want to report it to your landlord or property managers in Austin as soon as possible. Promptly communicating issues with the property shows that you’re a respectful tenant and, depending on the type of damage, can prevent the problem from getting worse.
Once your landlord is aware of the damage, they’ll inspect the property to determine whether it’s normal wear and tear or actual damage beyond that. That said, it’s important to know the difference between damage and normal wear and tear.
Wear and tear includes things like faded paint or minor carpet wear, while damage could be broken appliances, large holes in walls, or pet-related damage. During their inspections, landlords should document any damages with photos, videos, and written notes to use as evidence.
If the damage is your responsibility, the repair costs will likely be deducted from your security deposit when you move out. Otherwise, you may even be billed directly if the costs exceed your deposit. In some cases, if the damage is accidental, some of the costs may be covered by renters’ insurance, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Fixing Damage Before You Move Out
If you know that there’s damage in your rental, taking the steps to fix it before you move out can save you money and avoid losing your security deposit. After all, most landlords are willing to work with tenants who take responsibility and handle repairs in a timely manner.
For minor issues, like patching small nail holes, touching up paint spots, or replacing a broken light fixture, you may be able to make the repairs yourself (with your landlord’s approval). However, if there’s more significant damage, like carpet stains, damaged flooring, or broken
appliances, your landlord will likely want to hire a professional to get the job done right. In this case, you may be billed, or your security deposit may be used to pay for the repairs.
If you decide to do any work on your rental property, it’s crucial to keep receipts and before-and-after photos. This can serve as proof if there’s ever a disagreement over the property’s condition.
Tips to Prevent Damage During Your Lease
Most tenants don’t purposely cause damage in their rental properties. However, accidents happen, and even minor oversights can lead to extensive repairs. That said, the best way to protect your security deposit and maintain a good rental history is to stay proactive when it comes to preventing damage. Here are a few tips to consider while you rent.
- Keep Up With Cleaning | It’s important to keep your rental clean. You’ll want to regularly vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces to prevent dirt, mold, or staining.
- Report Issues Immediately | If you notice anything wrong with the property, whether it be a leak, a faulty appliance, or a pest issue, report it immediately. The earlier you report it, the sooner it gets taken care of.
- Protect Moisture-Prone Areas | You’ll want to use shower liners, wipe any spills immediately, and ventilate bathroom areas to prevent water damage and mildew.
- Clean Up After Pets | Pets can cause quite the mess if you don’t clean up after them. As a pet-owning renter, it’s crucial to keep your pets groomed, take them outside or clean their litter boxes, and clean up any messes they make right away.
- Avoid Unauthorized Alterations | You should always get approval from your landlord before painting, drilling holes, or making any type of structural change. Unapproved work may be done wrong and result in damage, or may be a lease violation that causes you to lose your security deposit.
What If You Disagree With the Landlord?
Disagreements over damage or repair costs are quite common at the end of a lease. Your landlord will do a move-out inspection of the property and determine whether there’s damage beyond normal wear and tear.
If you believe your landlord is unfairly holding you responsible for something, the first thing you’ll want to do is ask for proof. This may include move-in and move-out reports, photos, and videos. Then, you can compare this evidence to your own move-in documentation to see if the charges are valid or if it’s just normal wear and tear.
If you still believe the charges are unfair, you can send a written dispute letter telling your landlord why you disagree, along with your own evidence. Remember, it’s important to be polite and professional with all your communication with the landlord. Usually, you can come to a mutual agreement that works out for everyone. However, if it comes down to it, you can take your case to small claims court to recover your security deposit.
Contact Your Property Manager About Property Damages
Accidents happen, and no renter is always perfect. It’s important to know what happens if you damage a rental property so you know the next steps to take to resolve it. By communicating with your landlord, making authorized repairs, and preventing damage can help you reduce stress and the risk of losing your security deposit.
If you’re a renter in Austin, working with your property manager can make the process smoother. With a professional property management company, you can ensure a fair inspection, clear documentation, and faster repairs. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, Stone Oak Property Management can help. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive rental management services in Austin, Texas.
