All Forum Posts by: Shelley A.

What about light bulbs?  I explained on move in day that all the light bulbs worked at the start of tenancy and they needed to replace burned out bulbs at the end of their tenancy. I reminded them of this with a cleaning check list that listed "replace all burned out bulbs" Then on the final walk through I pointed out the burned out bulbs and tenant said he had just replaced them.  Can I deduct the 8 bulbs that were burned on final walk through from his deposit?

At the end of tenancy, the new tenants immediately complained about door knobs that were jammed.  The handyman said he tried to repair them but most needed to be replaced. One was  deadbolt and lever handle set on the front door, a bathroom door, and a exterior french door. All of the door knobs and locks worked at the beginning of their tenancy 1.5 years ago.  The old tenants said they never had a problem with the door handles, the handyman confirmed they needed to be replaced. It's a high end home and I go out every year to fix any problems the tenants have.  Since all the door knobs worked at the start of tenancy and some did not work at the end of tenancy, would replacing the door knobs be considered normal wear and tear? Or is it something I can take out of their deposit?  Had the old tenants noticed the problem I would have taken care of the replacement myself after them moved out, but since they didn't notice I had to hire a handyman and the bill came to $265 for working on 5 door knobs. (i don't live nearby)

The old tenants used used hair dye that stained the tub, when they left they were able to scrub off the dye but now there is a section of the tub- where about 18" x 8" of the tub enamel has been scrubbed off and is discolored and rough. Also there is a 3" diameter chunk missing from the top of the tub where something fell down on it. They tried to repair the 3" area by putting some material there to cover it up but it looks terrible. The tub repair people are encouraging me to refinish the whole tub because they say it won't match if I just do the bottom and it will only be a little less expensive. It will cost about $4-500. The tenants deposit would cover the cost of refinishing. I feel like my choice is to leave it and do nothing or refinish the whole thing even though only about 10% of the tub is damaged.  What would you do? 

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate you all responding. : 

Tenants moved out (in UT) after 1.5 years and had professional cleaners come in, but still left the sfh dirtier and in worse condition than when it was rented to them. I spent 30 hours touching up small gouges in the walls, washing the tile floors, repairing leaky faucet, cleaning residue left on walls, light switches, and cupboards, removing trash left behind, cleaning vents, fan blades, replacing light bulbs, repairing blinds, cleaning stains from carpet, fixing broken drawer, washing garage floor, & cleaning windows.  I told them upfront the home needed to be left in the same condition of cleanliness that it was in on the day they started renting. I gave them a room by room cleaning check list of each item that was cleaned before they moved in and instructed them to make sure those same items were cleaned when they moved out.  Told renters at the start of tenancy if they wanted to get their whole security deposit back they should follow the cleaning check list when they moved out.  Can I deduct the 30 hours I spent cleaning and repairing the home from their security deposit? Also they did a few repairs without my knowledge and they look terrible. Can I hire a professional to repair correctly and deduct it from renter's security deposit?