Appliance Damaged by Tenant

[cardiff92007]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA
My tenant's washer broke due to coins and a pen (the ink holder/tip of pen) that got into the drain pump and destoyed the impeller thus I had to replace the drain pump. These machines (washer and dryer) were put in brand new probably within the year she moved in. They are now aprox. 4 years old.
Who's liable. I think she is since she left the coins and pen in her clothes. Isn't that negligence?

 

[BL]

Usually applances provided for by the landlord , are the Landlord's responsibility to maintaian , Unless the damage is caused by the tenant .Then the tenant pays for repair , or if the tenant choses not to repair those cost on move out can be deducted from the sec. deposit .

On a side note , if the LL and tenant otherwise have a good relationship and the tenant could not afford the repair right now , you two could work something out in writing for you to repair and the tenant pay a little extra each month until paid for.