Evicted tenant stool our stove, and more.

[Joz]

We recently evicted a tenant from our out of state rental property (TN). After he was out, the inspection showed $7500 in, mostly, damages and the new stove we bought is also gone. He'd previously stool the a/c copper tubing and reported it to the manager as a burglary. But, the person would have to be "inside" and "outside" the house to cut the tubing. That cost us $1000 to repair. A police report was filed. What kind of recourse do we have? The property manger suggested a civil suit at $250. but what are the chances of collecting?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

The word you are looking for is "stole."

Report the theft to the police. You know the tenant better that we do. Do you think he will actually pay a judgment?

Also, YOU may have to go to TN to actually sue the guy.

 

[Shadowbunny]

We recently evicted a tenant from our out of state rental property (TN). After he was out, the inspection showed $7500 in, mostly, damages and the new stove we bought is also gone. He'd previously stool the a/c copper tubing and reported it to the manager as a burglary. But, the person would have to be "inside" and "outside" the house to cut the tubing. That cost us $1000 to repair. A police report was filed. What kind of recourse do we have? The property manger suggested a civil suit at $250. but what are the chances of collecting?
Thanks for any advice.

Your chances of collecting depend on the assets of your thieving tenant. (And, FYI, the word is "stole" not "stool." I mention this only for the sake of clarity.)

 

[bcr229]

OP should also be glad the deadbeat tenant did not wipe stool all over the walls and floor of the house before vacating.

 

[adjusterjack]

what are the chances of collecting?

Reality check: Zero.

You need to sell that property and get out of the landlord business. Nothing more dangerous and costly than an absentee amateur landlord relying on a property manager in a distant state.

 

[Joz]

Thanks for the responses and sarcasm. We'll probably do the police report and nothing else. We have multiple houses for several years and this is the only tenant that we've had a large issue with, so maybe we shouldn't guess at the OP's situation when we respond.

 

[Zigner]

Thanks for the responses and sarcasm. We'll probably do the police report and nothing else. We have multiple houses for several years and this is the only tenant that we've had a large issue with, so maybe we shouldn't guess at the OP's situation when we respond.

This is the first tenant you've had a large issue with. Just sayin'...

 

[FarmerJ]

If you sue you may not ever get a dime by the time TN statutes of limitations regarding Judgment enforcement options expire where as the effects of a police report for theft may well last a lot longer

 

[adjusterjack]

Thanks for the responses and sarcasm. We'll probably do the police report and nothing else. We have multiple houses for several years and this is the only tenant that we've had a large issue with, so maybe we shouldn't guess at the OP's situation when we respond.

I had three rentals for 20 years. Got burned enough times to be finally convinced to sell the rentals and never look back.

I don't have to "guess" what your situation is. I "know" what it is.

And, as Zigner implies, this is not likely to be the last time.