My tenant accidentally damaged the condo building’s garage door. Condo management has advised that the full cost of repair/replacement will be charged to me as the unit owner (they will not deal directly with the tenant or the tenant’s insurance company).
Now my tenant's insurance company is offering to cover only a portion of the total cost. They’ve also included a release stating that if I accept the payment, I cannot make any further claims related to this incident.
My question – Can I still pursue the tenant for the remaining balance if I accept the insurance payout?
I’m trying to decide if it’s worth pursuing the remaining amount or just absorbing the loss.
Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated.
Tenant damaged to Condo garage door
byu/IllKey5340 inInsurance
Posted by IllKey5340
4 Comments
No, if you sign the release you can’t pursue the tenant further.
What state is this in. In many areas if you did not do the damage you cannot be held responsible. If it was not your vehicle they cannot make you pay even if it was your tenant. This may vary in different areas though.
Damage inside the unit they could hold you responsible as it is happened from your unit.
How did he damage the door? I’m assuming with his car, if it’s his auto insurance, they will only pay the actual cash value. That’s why they’re not offering the full amount.
Does the lease address damage? The auto insurance company only owes actual cash value for the damage property. You can try to go after the tenant for the balance but not sure what legal standing you might have, or what your chances of success might be, or if the cost of those efforts might make it all pointless.