Window Damage in rental

[Nathan Clark]

My Tenant just called about something going through their window. Either a bullet or a firecracker. She is calling the police to come and investigate. Usually window and door damage are tenants responsibility correct?

Or is this my responsibility to pay? I have a clause in my lease, that states the first $100 of every repair is the tenants responsibility. 

Has anyone dealt with something like this?

[Thomas S.]

First confirm the damage did not come from the outside by looking at how the glass broke and if it is from the outside you will likely have to pay. 

A bullet hole is easily recognisable and the glass will have a beveled edge on the inside of the window. If the window is shattered it is not likely a bullet and there is no way a fire cracker would likely break a window. 

If the tenant has children they may have broken the window but it may be hard to prove. 

Do not pay until you do a thorough investigation and read the police report.

Never take anything a tenant says at face value without confirming it yourself.