Landlord or tenant garage door repair

[Bruce Gaines]

I have a tenant who recently sent a repair request to my property management concerning the garage door not working. The tenant sent a general request (garage does not close). I requested further information tenant sent pictures and video of interior of garage. I requested pictures of exterior of garage. Based on the video and pictures which included cracks in the middle of garage door, tear/pry marks to the outside corner and the handle loose/separated from base I believe this is malicious damage. I told the PM tenant is responsible for repairs and provide date and pictures of repair. My concern is the PM countered in a follow-up email in essence contends the damage is normal wear and tear and now the PM wants to send a garage technician to evaluate and provide estimates. What does my BP people see as potential issues and any suggestions moving forward. Thanks for any response. Bruce G in California

[Bill B.]

If you think it was damaged and you want the tenant to pay for it make sure you’re ready to prove they damaged it. What if a neighbor backed in to it or a thief tried to break in to it?

Send out the technician first to make sure this is an amount worth fighting over. Then I personally would look at the tennants history of repair requests. Are they nit picky or is this their first complain in years? how old is this garage?

If this is your biggest concern at the moment you are golden. :-)