Tenant ran into water supply main for building

[August Faustino]

Hi All,

We got an email this morning from a tenant who ran into the water supply main for the building with his car last night.  Water is off on the building now and we have called a plumber and arranged for it to be fixed today.  My question is, do we use part of the tenant's security deposit for this repair?  I'm assuming they are responsible since they ran into it with their car.  I've never encountered this type of damage caused by a tenant's error while they are still living in the unit.  I've only dealt with deducting for damage when tenant is vacating after they've given notice?  Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,

August

[Jeff Willis]

My 2 cents. Do not deplete the security deposit.  Tender to their insurance company. In California, they are required to have minimum insurance coverage of $5,000 for property damage.