Tenant is moving out, big holes in the walls (dime sized), they want to fix, I say no

[Cali Skier]

Hi,

Summary: Two questions, one is on charging for texture, the other is charging for painting...

I have nice cordial tenants that rented for 4 years. Paid on time, very communicative, low maintenance tenants, we like them. They are in the process of moving out and we went over for a pre-inspection, timing discussion. We are now seeing that they put big heavy stuff on the walls that created half inch holes in several places that will have to be patched on very nicely textured walls. (Lease provisions at the bottom). We have had this problem with other tenants before. They say they want to fix it, but I don't trust them to do a good job. I feel like if they broke a window of course a professional should replace it. I personally like to do the texture patching because I am very good at it, but it is a hassle, and I feel like I should be able to charge them for it. So how do I handle this? They want to fix it, I have said no, but have not said anything about charging them for it, and maybe by my attitude made them feel like I wouldn't.   It was kind of sprung on us, surprising. The entire house also needs repainting, kids dirty hands, that is probably normal wear and tear.

Question 1: Texturing, What would you do? Options:

1. Hire a texture guy and charge them?

2. Let them do it, and then just fix what they did that I don’t like, and decide if I want to charge for that.

3. Fix it myself and charge $5 a hole. I have done this in the past.

Question 2: Painting, can I charge them for the paint, or let them do it, or since its 4 years, that’s wear and tear, and i need to cover that.   I kind of think this is something I have to eat, but I still want to ask the question.   Can I charge them to paint the entire house, or just the holes, or can I charge them at all.   I never like them to do it themselves because when we first started they did not match the color/finish correctly, and they get it on all the switches, baseboards, etc...

The lease agreement has these provisions...

1. Tenant agrees to use small nails and picture hangers when hanging pictures, mirrors, etc. DO NOT use adhesive hangers to hang any object on walls or wallpaper.  Neither defacing, damaging, nor drilling holes in the walls, woodwork, or any part of the Premises.