Can a landlord charge me to refinish a 30 year old hard wood floor in a rental property?
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Can a landlord charge me to refinish a 30 year old hard wood floor in a rental property?
After I moved out of a room I rented for a couple of month in a 50 year old house, I am accused that I made scratches in an old hard wood floor of the room I occupied. I would like to know, if it is legally possible to make me accountable to pay the full amount to refinish such an old hard wood floor?
Asked on August 23, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Colorado
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Legally, if a tenant damages the landlord's property, he or she is liable for the cost to repair or replace. In a situation like the one you describe, therefore, the issue is factual--did you or did you not cause the damage? They can't charge you for other tenants' damage or prior damage, but they can charge you for what you did.
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