Tenants want LL to pay for their broken TV

[E.S. Burrell]

Hi All

Tenants lost power throughout the house. Electrician was called to investigate the problem. He said there was a power surge and got the lights working. The furnace quit working. My furnace guy said that the furnace needed a transformer. Furnace is now working. Tenant plugged in TV and TV is not working but everything else that is plugged in outlet works. Am I responsible for replacing the TV? Tenant does not have renters insurance. Thank you. I’m taking notes from your responses.

[Kyle J.]

@E.S. Burrell I didn’t read anything in what you wrote that sounded like negligence on your part or that would make you obligated to fix the TV.

If it were me, I wouldn’t pay to fix it. Things happen and I’m not in the TV warranty business. His personal property should be covered by renters insurance. If he chose not to get insurance, that’s his choice.

For what it’s worth, I have a clause in my lease that actually addresses tenant’s personal property: “Tenant’s or guest’s personal property and vehicles are not insured by Landlord, manager or, if applicable, HOA, against loss or damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, rain, water, criminal or negligent acts of others, or any other cause. Tenant is advised to carry Tenant’s own insurance (renter’s insurance) to protect Tenant from any such loss or damage.”

Might be a good idea to see if your lease has a similar clause so you can refer the tenant to it (or consider adding it to future leases if it doesn’t have it).