Tenant had garage door replaced

[Kimberly T.]

We have an out of state rental house that we self-manage. Our tenant called me to let me know her husband accidentally backed into the garage door, and they already went through their renter's insurance to have the door replaced (without our knowledge). She said their renter's insurance would be contacting us to finalize the claim. I had the tenant email me a picture of the garage door, and they have not yet had it painted to match the other door. I also can't tell from the picture whether the new door matches the other one, but I think it does.

What's the best way to proceed at this point? What things should I request and insist on? I want to ensure that the door matches and that it gets painted, and also that it was installed professionally. Anything else? Thanks!

[Cara Lonsdale]

I would first thank them for taking the initiative to facilitate that repair, HOWEVER, they need to contact you PRIOR to any repairs for things like this next time.  Your lease's language should cover this, so just reference that section of the lease.

Then, I would ask for receipts from all the people involved in replacing the door so that you can verify that it was done appropriately and was warranted work.

It is totally reasonable that you would expect it to be the same type of door, and that it would be painted, so make sure that if the Tenant is taking care of the painting, that they get the right color formula.

Also, make sure that you get a copy of the claim from the insurance for your records.