Problem tenants moved out but took all my inherited furniture

[Cathy S.]

Problem tenants moved out finally but they took all my inherited furniture from past seller. It used to be a furnished Airbnb (furniture was “used”) but still. I’m not 100% sure of what was all in there, but it was at least a couch, 2 beds, coffee table, bar stools etc. I texted the previous seller and she said everything was used and probably not worth a lot (no big ticket items). Out of principle, would you try to take some out of their security deposit? Or just let it slide and use it as a learning experience.

I don’t really care about the used stuff but they essentially stole what was not theirs and I could have maybe resold for a few hundred bucks.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Cathy S.:

Problem tenants moved out finally but they took all my inherited furniture from past seller. It used to be a furnished Airbnb (furniture was “used”) but still. I’m not 100% sure of what was all in there, but it was at least a couch, 2 beds, coffee table, bar stools etc. I texted the previous seller and she said everything was used and probably not worth a lot (no big ticket items). Out of principle, would you try to take some out of their security deposit? Or just let it slide and use it as a learning experience.

I don’t really care about the used stuff but they essentially stole what was not theirs and I could have maybe resold for a few hundred bucks.

It's your choice, but I wouldn't let someone steal from me and then give back their security deposit. I would charge them for the approximate value of the items taken. If it's $300, then it's $300. If you think it's worth $800, then charge them $800.

In the future, you should have an inventory of everything included in the lease AND you should be taking detailed pictures of the rental and what's included as evidence. I take pictures of every wall, ceiling, floor, cabinets open and closed, front/back of doors, inside closets, appliances inside and out, windows inside and out, window blinds or curtains open and closed, etc. 30 minutes documenting your property before and after each tenancy can save you a lot of trouble and money.