Difficult Tenant damaged more than the deposit covered

[Account Closed]

A very difficult and unpleasant tenant has just skipped town, leaving no contact information and a mess of a unit. The deposit, which was only 1 months rent at 850, is certainly not enough to cover the repair costs in their entirety. Do I seek damages against the tenant (which may be almost impossible), or the insurance company? Or will I likely be stuck with covering the costs myself?

[Dick Rosen]

You will likely need to pay to get your unit repaired and turned but you should still charge it to the tenant and pursue a judgment