Legal Q&A:

Legal Q&A: Tenant broke window and hasn’t fixed it

July 5, 2017

Question: Under a 12-month lease on a single-family home, if a tenant breaks a window and does not repair it after a week or two, can we take the money out of the next rent payment?

Answer: It is better to fix the window, or require the tenant to fix the window with a licensed contractor. If the tenant refuses to pay for or fix the window, serve a three-day notice to perform conditions and/or covenants or quit. If he/she refuses to pay or fix the window in three days, you can commence the eviction.

Question: My tenant moved in a few years ago with a roommate, and they paid the security deposit together. One roommate moved out and another roommate moved in. At that time, the rent was increased and they paid some additional security deposit. Who is entitled to the security deposit when the unit is vacated?

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