Tenant damaged property

[karb]

I need some advice on a rental property in Colorado. We have renants who were living in the property for 7 years, and suddenly moved out without notice (in August). We received a letter from the HOA, stating that the son of the tenants (18yrs old) had caused serious damage to the complex, by setting some bushes on fire. The covenants state that property owners are responsible for any damages, and we need to pay $2500 for the insurance deductible. We called the tenants and they said the son plead guilty to this in December, but they don't have money to pay for this. I would to know if there is some legal action we can take against the tenants to get our $2500 back.
Thank you.

 

[Some Random Guy]

The legal action would be called small claims court. It should be an easy win since the son was found guilty of the crime.

Once you have the judgement it will be up to you to figure out how to collect on the money. But worry about the court case first.

 

[xylene]

We received a letter from the HOA, stating that the son of the tenants (18yrs old) had caused serious damage to the complex, by setting some bushes on fire. The covenants state that property owners are responsible for any damages, and we need to pay $2500 for the insurance deductible. We called the tenants and they said the son plead guilty to this in December, but they don't have money to pay for this. I would to know if there is some legal action we can take against the tenants to get our $2500 back.
Thank you.

Did you already pay the HOA? Was it your insurance or that of the HOA?

Why didn't the HOA sue the responsible party, I would think that be the parents of the felonious teen is he was under 18 at the time, or the teen himself.

If you already paid, sue the tenants in small claims as was suggested.

If HOA covenenant says you are responsible, than why aren't they suing you for the full amount, not just the deductible?