Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Michigan

Landlord/Tennent

I subleased my apartment last summer. The subleaser trashed the place, and I ended their time. One girl did not come and pick up her belongings when we had talked. I made arrangements for the following week and in the meantime, she attempted to break-in. The landlord wants to charge me for the repair of the door ($375) and the replacement of the door ($1300). If I have repaired the door and it, nine months later, has still not been replaced, can she make me pay the $1300? If I can find the girl, who admitted to the attempt, can I take her to court and make her pay it even if there is not a signed document between us? I have plenty of witnesses. Bottom line, if I have already paid to repair the door, why should I replace it. It was not in ''new'' condition, but has a few small dents from the attempt.


Asked on 4/29/08, 8:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Renee Walsh LawRefs Nonprofit

Re: Landlord/Tennent

You should argue that you are not responsible for the criminal acts of persons who break in and damage the property and therefore, you are not responsible for the $1300. Furthermore, a landlord should not be able to double-dip, that is, she cannot collect for repairing the door and then for replacing it.

The repair should have been covered on her home owners insurance. You should ask her whether she ever submitted the claim to them and if so, she cannot collect from you and doing so is fraudulent.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me via my website at www.lawrefs.com.

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Answered on 4/30/08, 7:27 pm


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