Billing for minor damage to flooring

[Wesley W.]

Hello All!

So I had a turnover this week on a unit that, just two years ago, had brand new Pergo flooring installed.  Upon move out there 2 places (in separate rooms) that have noticeable scratches at least 8 inches or so long (almost certainly from dragging heavy furniture).  In my lease docs, I have charges listed for replacing planks, but I don't have anything spelled out for this kind of damage.

Namely, I do not plan on replacing these planks (the labor involved is just not worth it, to anyone whose had to do this), but this is definitely documentable damage traced to this tenant.  My position is that this damage lowers the value and/or shortens the life of the flooring (or, at the very least - lowers the marketability of the unit).  However, what do I charge for damage that I do not intend to immediately replace?  I'm not sure what is reasonable.  I'd like to charge at least something to acknowledge they did not take reasonable care of the unit.

What do you think?

[Thomas S.]

You can only charge for out of pocket repairs. Contractor costs and material. You can not bill tenants for lost value. It is far too subjective and will not stand up in court. You may only charge for your actual repair expenses. Get it repaired/replaced.