Tenants car was damaged. Is it my fault?

[David Luetkemeyer]

Okay I need some advice. We have a small apartment unit. During a windstorm a piece of siding blew off and damaged one of the tenants cars. The tenant is asking us to pay the $500 deposit. I have never had in my lease anything about parking at your own risk, or any signs in the parking area. Is this something I am responsible for? Or is this considered an act of God and the tenant has on his own? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Colleen F.]

I had a tree fall on a tenants car and I called my insurance company.  They indicated that unless I was negligent regarding the tree  then it was and act of god and it was on the tenant. The tenant said it was her car insurance that paid. I did not cover the deductible, that would have opened the door for me admitting negligence.  Now it was a healthy tree not the siding on my house.  I called the insurance company but I don't think they ever opened a claim.  I just paid for the removal of the tree from the car.   Call your insurance company and ask.