Tenant moved out - damages exceed security deposit - Ridgefield, CT

[Kenny M.]

I have a multi-family in Ridgefield, CT.  I refused to renew the lease for one tenant which they've been there for 4 years.  They left yesterday, and the place is in shambles.  It wasn't in this condition when I checked it a few months ago.

1) holes in walls and bad patch job

2) They super-glued a faucet knob which now doesn't work

4) They bent a towel rod

5) They dented the stove vent hood (needs to be replaced)

6) They stained the butcher block and it cannot be repaired. The stain is so deep, it has to be replaced.

7) The wood floors are scratched, so we're renting a sander to attempt to sand and poly

8) All the closet doors have holes like they were kicked or punched

9) All the baseboard heaters are bent

10) There's two cracks in the bathroom counter.  It needs to be replaced

11) A lot of wall patching

12) They cracked or broke the glass ceiling fan light bulb cover

13) Installed shower rod is rusted and has to be replaced

14) The place is filthy

15) They took with them both the ring cameras and ring doorbell (not theirs)

I have the before pictures from 2021 and it looks like a hurricane came through.  I have documented everything and I have 15 days to mail them the proof.  I am mailing them a breakdown of the costs for repairs and supplies along with receipts from Home Depot.  I have 3.5k in security (plus some interest.  We're looking between 7k-10k to make the unit rent ready again.  Should I mention in the letter that we will forgive the balance owed?  Doubtful they have the funds to pay.

I'd rather not upload the pictures so they are not on the Interweb.

[Adam Bartomeo]

Why would you ever forgive the balance? Put them in collections and get as much from them as you possibly can!