For Crestview Landlords: How To Handle Property Damage
Property damage is inevitable when you own a rental. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a rotting cabinet, or a broken HVAC system, knowing what to do—and who’s responsible—can save you money, protect your investment, and keep tenant relationships on track. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for landlords from a professional Crestview property management company.
Determine Who’s Responsible
The first step is figuring out whether the landlord or the tenant must handle the repair.
Landlord Responsibility:
In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for fixing damage caused by normal wear and tear, age, or unforeseen issues like leaks or faulty wiring.Tenant Negligence:
If the tenant’s actions—or failure to act—caused the problem, they’re responsible. Examples include:Punching holes in walls.
Ignoring HVAC filter changes, leading to a system failure.
Not reporting a small leak until it becomes a major issue.
Always document the condition of the property with move-in photos and a signed lease agreement specifying tenant duties. This evidence is essential if you need to prove negligence.
Decide Whether to Fix It (Hint: You Should)
Even if damage seems minor, prompt repairs protect your property and reduce legal risk.
Prevent Bigger Problems:
A small leak can rot cabinets or sub flooring. Left unchecked, the damage worsens and becomes more expensive.Legal & Safety Concerns:
Serious neglect—like failing to fix a rotted subfloor—can lead to accidents, lawsuits, rent withholding, or even a broken lease.
Bottom line: it’s almost always cheaper and safer to handle repairs quickly.
Diagnose the Issue
Before calling in help, identify the root cause. For example, sinking flooring may point to a failing subfloor rather than a surface issue.
You can:
Inspect the property yourself if you’re experienced.
Hire a licensed professional (plumber, electrician, contractor, or specialized trade) to evaluate and provide an estimate.
Make the Repair
Once you know the cause, arrange for the right professional to complete the work. Licensed contractors or trusted handymen can ensure repairs meet code and avoid recurring problems.
Address Tenant-Caused Damage
If you determine the tenant is at fault, follow a clear process:
Legal Notice:
Post a seven-day “right to cure” notice (or follow your state’s specific requirement). This gives the tenant a set period to fix the issue and provide proof.Direct Communication:
Sometimes a polite but firm written request with a deadline works before escalating legally.
Always reference the lease clause that outlines tenant maintenance responsibilities and include time-stamped move-in photos as proof.
📄🚫Click here to read our article about the best ways to handle lease violations.
Key Takeaways for Landlords
Document everything from move-in to maintenance.
Act quickly to prevent costly damage and legal trouble.
Use licensed professionals for accurate diagnosis and repairs.
Enforce lease terms when tenants are negligent, but always follow proper legal procedures.
By staying proactive and organized, you’ll protect your investment, keep tenants satisfied, and avoid expensive disputes.
Here at Kuntz Property Group, we help local Crestview landlords with all aspects of property management, which includes maintenance management. We will diagnosis the repair, send out licensed and insured vendors, complete the repairs, confirm the completion, and even pay out the bill for you. Your maintenance experience as one of our exclusive clients is easy-going and hassle free. Want to learn more? Click here to schedule a consultation or receive a free rental analysis within seconds!
