$10k in water damage caused by tenant. Advice on how to handle.

[William C.]

We own a SFH long-term rental. We self-manage. We have good tenants in there entering year 2 of a 2 year lease. One of the tenants hung a picture on a wall, puncturing a water pipe. There was a leak and about $10k in water damage done. I filed an insurance claim on our landlord insurance and got a remediation team in there immediately to stop the damage. The tenants are clearly responsible here. How would you all handle this? I can provide additional info as needed. Thanks for considering.

[Scott Mac]

If you collect the 10K from the renter will you reimburse that 10K to the insurance company?

To me it seems like you've been paid already, and are these the type of renter you can collect 10K from?

If they had 10K they'd probably buy a house- most renters are poor.

Would a court allow you to collect twice- make a windfall profit on this mistake in renter judgment?

Just my 2 cents.