If you own a rental property but had a tenant trash it when they leave then make sure you read this article because we’re addressing the all-too-common problem that landlords have when they say, “Help! My last tenant trashed my Midland house!”
Do you own a rental property? Did you have a tenant leave it in less-than-perfect condition? It happens! In fact, it’s an experience that probably every landlord has faced at least once. If you looked at your empty rental property and said, “Help! My tenant trashed my Midland house” then here are some things you can do about it…
Is it worth going after the tenant?
Before taking any action, it’s important to thoroughly assess the damage left by the tenant and determine whether pursuing them for compensation is a viable option. Unfortunately, in many cases, the effort required to get the tenant to pay for damages may not be worth it. This process can be time-consuming, requiring you to navigate legal procedures, gather evidence, and possibly engage in lengthy negotiations or even court proceedings. Additionally, the costs associated with pursuing repayment, including legal fees and the time investment, can often outweigh the potential recovery, especially if the tenant is unwilling or unable to pay.
However, if the damage is substantial and the financial impact on you is significant, you might decide that it is worth the effort to seek compensation. In such cases, you could consider sending a formal demand letter, engaging a collections agency, or even taking legal action to recoup the costs of repairs. Before proceeding, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the challenges and expenses involved to make an informed decision.
Is it worth repairing the damage?
From holes in the walls to missing toilets, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to property damage! In some cases, a bit of drywall repair and a fresh coat of paint can solve the issue, making it feasible to fix up the property and rent it out again. In these situations, it might be easiest to accept the inconvenience as part of the cost of doing business as a landlord.
However, when the damage is more extensive and repairing it yourself isn’t a viable option, you may want to consider alternative solutions. Instead of investing time and money into costly repairs, you might explore other strategies to address the situation effectively. Here are a couple of options to consider if you find yourself dealing with significant damage:
You could rent your house to a handyman
One lesser-known but highly effective option is to find a handyman who is interested in renting the house. In exchange for a reduced rent—or even rent-free living—you can have them take on the necessary repairs to restore the property to a rentable condition. This arrangement can be mutually beneficial: the handyman gets a place to live, and you get the repairs done at a lower cost than hiring a contractor.
However, it’s important to establish clear expectations from the start. Make sure you have a detailed timeline in place that outlines the scope of work, deadlines, and milestones. This will help ensure that the handyman stays on track and completes the necessary repairs in a timely manner. Without a well-defined agreement, you risk the possibility of the repairs dragging on longer than anticipated, which could delay your plans to rent out the property again.
You could sell the house
Another option to consider is selling the house and moving on from the challenges of owning a frustrating rental property. If you choose to sell on the open market, keep in mind that you may need to make repairs and improvements before a real estate agent will agree to list it. This can involve additional costs and time, especially if the property has significant damage.
Alternatively, you can choose to sell privately to a house-buying team like ours. We specialize in purchasing homes in as-is condition, so you won’t need to worry about making any repairs or renovations. We handle the necessary work ourselves, allowing you to sell your property quickly and with minimal hassle.