Tile Floor Repair -- Tenant damaged tiles, Tile Pattern Discontinued -What to do and who's responsible?

[Rick L.]

My tenant supposedly dropped a wine bottle cracking two tiles in the kitchen floor.  The tile contractor that I've worked with in the past evaluated the damaged.  He said the damaged tiles could be replaced easily and cheaply...HOWEVER, the tile pattern is no longer available and has been discontinued. 

I plan on searching around and seeing if any local tile stores can help me locate any available tiles.  But, if I cannot find the spare tiles what do you recommend I do?

The tenant has taken full responsibility for the repairs, but I can't see her paying $800-900 to redo the whole tile flooring.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Roy N.]

Note for future:  When you tile a floor, always get an extra 1/2 - 1 box of tile for just such situations.

Are the tiles located in a convenient spot that your tile contractor could pull up 3-6 and do an inset which would make sense?

If your tenant is a good tenant, plan to retile, let her weigh in on your shortlist of tile options and find an equitable cost sharing.