Front Door Damage - Who is Responsible?

[Graham Watts]

A tenant claims extreme wind blew open the front door of our rental, causing it to split down the center. There was extreme wind at that time but it seems like the door slammed shut instead of being blown open.  An emergency repair is needed because the front door cannot close which is a safety issue.

Who is responsible for paying for the repair? 

Should I start a home insurance claim? Is this covered by their renters insurance? Any advice is appreciated. 

[Frank Hinck]

@Graham Watts

That door looks fairly old, so hard to pin in all on the tenant.

I’d take care of it ASAP especially if it’s a security / tenant safety issue. Maybe the tenant will be reasonable and pony up some or let you take some from the security deposit. Otherwise chock it up as a capital expense, not like you have to replace entry doors but every 15-20 years.

This is why budgeting for cap-ex has to be legitimately considered (I'm sure you have), Cash Flow is not just Rent minus Mortgage&Tax&Insurance. CapEx, Vacancy, Repairs all factor in too.