Destroyed Property during Domestic Disturbance

[Tim Thompson]

Hey All,

I need some advice.  I manage my only rental.  My tenant texted to let me know there was a domestic disturbance and her boyfriend destroyed the house.  Not sure the extent but f the damage yet but the few things she told me about will go beyond the security deposit.  The police came and documented the damage however I have not seen the report yet.  Both are on the lease.  What actions should I take first?  Does renters insurance cover something like this?  
Thanks in advance for your help.

[JD Martin]

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

Quote from @Tim Thompson:

Hey All,

I need some advice.  I manage my only rental.  My tenant texted to let me know there was a domestic disturbance and her boyfriend destroyed the house.  Not sure the extent but f the damage yet but the few things she told me about will go beyond the security deposit.  The police came and documented the damage however I have not seen the report yet.  Both are on the lease.  What actions should I take first?  Does renters insurance cover something like this?  
Thanks in advance for your help.

 call your insurance company and file a police report.

renters insurance may not cover it but your property insurance should if you have vandalism

+1. Aside from filing a police report, your insurance should cover your damages less the deductible, and will abrogate damages against their renter's insurance if they have it. 

Beyond that, terminate the tenancy based on your lease (you should have a clause in there that permits eviction for this kind of behavior). Don't get involved at all in domestic violence - who stays, who goes, taking sides, etc. Your tenant telling you the boyfriend did it might be lying. And getting in the middle of a domestic situation is a good way to end up dead. Mind your own business - the house - send these people packing and give it to your insurance company.