Tenant Broke the garage door but claims that it's rust..

[Liam Martin Ruane]

So I have a quick question that may be obvious. I have a tenant that has broken the garage automatic door presumably from backing into it, but she is claiming that it is because of rust and has requested that I fix it. I will of course fix the door, but I'm thinking this should be deducted from the security deposit.

Is this something that I communicate with the itemized deductions at move out, or should I communicate it now? 

[Richard F.]

Quote from @Liam Martin Ruane:

Awesome help. Definitely worth getting the garage door repair man to check it out. But is this something I just deduct at the end of the lease from their deposit, or should I tell her it will be deducted now?

 Aloha,

Neither. Once an actual determination of prior condition and what "broke" means, if the tenant is responsible, bill them for the repair, providing the report and invoice from the contractor. Security Deposits are for damages at move out only. You can choose to negotiate a payment plan, if it is a significant amount, but otherwise, it is due with the next rent payment, unless local law differs.