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Updated about 4 years ago,
20 Yr Tenant and Deducting Damage from Security Deposit
I live in California and I have a tenant who has lived in my duplex for 20 years. The windows in the unit are older windows that I have not upgraded yet. Her co-tenant locks himself out all the time and climbs through the windows to gain entry. They have broken the handle that locks the windows and drilled holes in the metal frames in an effort to keep the guy that is constantly locking himself out, from climbing through windows all the time. They have bent the screens and really damaged the window frames. They are moving out in a couple of weeks and I do not know what to do about the damage they have created. They think that because the windows are old that they should not have to pay for the damage they caused. They are basically saying that the handle broke off because it is old. They are required by the RA to notify me when something breaks or needs repair. They never told me about the handle breaking. I will be doing a walk through in a week and I want to know what I do about the things they have broken. Just because they have lived there for such a long time they should not think that I do not have to deduct from their security deposit for damages and repairs. They even changed the locks and lost most of the keys and the RA states that if all keys are not returned I can charge them. I am really concerned about the condition of the unit because they are not the cleanest people. The carpet is 9 years old. Can I charge them for excess wear and tear even if the carpet is this old? They stained the stucco on the exterior kitchen wall when they cleaned out the sliding window track of the frame with the water sprayer from the kitchen sink. I mean who does that and does not expect to pay for it just because it is an older home? Can I deduct these things from the security deposit even if I do not have the repairs made before they move? Can I get estimates from contractors and make deductions based on the estimates to repair? I am not given access until a few days before they move out. I have so many questions, sorry if I am rambling. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.