Hole in wall, need advice

[Kimberly Carver]

Tenant sent text that she can not lock the front door because it will not close all the way. I responded to remove the air pocket. The storm door has a screen setting- I said to put down the glass by using button so the screen is showing, then try the door again. The tenant said that worked, but before she tried that she had “tried to push the door shut and made a hole in the wall” she said.. I quote “so I guess that needs to be repairs now too ): I’m so sorry”...

Would you repair that? How would you respond?

The door is now closed and locked.

How do I add a photo?

[Patricia Steiner]

I like the sequence that led to her "confession."  It's the old "I can't lock the door but I can knock a hole in the wall."  Good to know.  I would thank her for letting you know about the damage and then state something along the lines of "as you know, only ordinary wear and tear items are covered under your lease.  This repair is outside the scope of that so it will need to be repaired at your expense. If you like, I can recommend a handyman we often times use who does good work at affordable prices."   

It's important to manage to the lease. Not doing so and making exceptions has been cited as the greatest financial failure that a landlord/investor can make by the American Apartment Owners' Association.

You're running a business. This repair is on her.

Best...