Tenant Deposits - Charging for Items I Can't 100% Fix

[Michael Peters]

I'm in the middle of creating the deposit disposition for tenants that trashed a property costing roughly $10,000 in damages.  Pictures and the condition catalog back up every line item on the disposition.  I want to know how others handle items that were damaged or broken but are unable to be repaired.  I typically charge for a portion of a complete replacement depending on the age of the item damaged.  In the perfect world I'd fix or replace everything but sometimes its just not an option.  Appreciate your feedback.

Examples:

1. Tenant burned designs into driveway and cement patio using sparklers.

2. Flooring damaged by children finger painting on carpets.  Got most of it up but its still there.  From a total cost picture we opted to keep the "best" rooms.

3. Light bar had multiple bulb attachments broken.  Unable to repair after spending some time on it and parts are not available.  Ended up splitting the 8 working lights between the 2 light bars that typically have 5 each.  Doesn't stick out like a sore thumb but still not what it was.

4. Children drew pictures on side of cabinet with paint or permanent marker.  Unable to remove without stripping the entire cabinet and refinishing.

[Theresa Harris]

For the permanent markers, try using rubbing alcohol (80% isopropanol).