Upgrading After Damages

[Jonathan W.]

Let’s assume that the tenant has animals that ruin the laminate flooring. The flooring is unsalvageable.

What if then I wanted to upgrade to vinyl plank flooring only because I have to replace the floor so I might as well upgrade it? Or heck even if I downgrade it so some crappy carpet

What is considered right or wrong when charging the tenant and can I legally charge the tenant the cost to replace laminate even if I end up going with something more expensive?

I can’t bill the tenant using a quote so what would be the appropriate way to charge for damages then upgrade the place? Just the cost of removal?

I’m not saying I plan on doing any of this, I’m really just wondering what the rules say here.

[Dan Perrott]

@Jonathan Watt - we have had a similar situation and we charged him a flat fee for the cost to repair. We outline the repair/replacement costs at lease signing and they agree to the fees prior to moving in. In our case it was carpeting in the master bedroom that the tenant ruined with candles that we replaced with laminate. The fee did not cover our costs but we planned on this upgrade.