Tenant Property Damage: My Experience with Property Management in Belmont WA

Tenant Property Damage: The Reality of Rental Nightmares in Belmont WA

Having recently received my bond and completed my transactions with a property manager in Belmont WA, I wanted to share my eye-opening experience with tenant property damage. This post documents the shocking aftermath of problematic tenants and the importance of effective property management.

On January 24th, 2013, my property manager in Belmont WA informed me that the tenant “has admitted that he cannot pay the rent,” with $1850 in unpaid rent and extensive property damage.

The keys were returned on January 31st, 2013, and the next day the property manager and I visited the property for the first time since it was vacated.

What shocked me most wasn’t just the mess, but the extensive tenant property damage that had never appeared in any inspection reports from the property management company.

Extensive Tenant Property Damage Discovered

The property inspection revealed damage that was never reported. I can only assume the tenants caused this destruction while vacating:

Broken dining room glass window, boarded up with graffiti on the exterior
Unauthorized door latch installation on one bedroom
Unauthorized screws in walls for hanging items
Large holes in walls, likely from self-installed shelving
Excessive adhesive residue throughout the property
Broken glass ceiling lamp shades
Missing light bulbs
Missing interior door handle
Cigarette burn marks in bathroom, living room and on window sills

My insurer, AMA Insurance broker and CGU, quoted the repair work at $4,270. During the property inspection, I also discovered the tenants had forced open the shed and stolen my wheelbarrow and vintage Singer sewing machine.

The Financial Impact of Poor Property Management in Belmont WA

The most frustrating revelation came after I decided to self-manage the property. I’m now earning $420 weekly—20% more than with the property management company. When you factor in their 9.25% management fees, I’m actually earning over 30% more through self-management.

This experience highlights how crucial proper tenant screening and regular, thorough property inspections are for protecting your investment. According to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, proper tenant screening can reduce property damage incidents by up to 60%.

Documentation of Tenant Property Damage

Below are photos documenting the tenant property damage found during the final inspection:

Trash and debris left at the front of the property, showing piles of discarded items and garbage bags strewn across the front yard. — Trash abandoned at the property entrance, creating both an eyesore and potential health hazard.

Dining room window boarded up with plywood that has graffiti spray-painted on the exterior side. — Dining room window damaged beyond repair, temporarily covered with graffiti-marked plywood.

Broken glass lamp shade with jagged edges, creating a safety hazard. — Ceiling fixture with broken glass shade, posing a safety risk and requiring complete replacement.

Discarded personal items including what appears to be a used contraceptive. — Disturbing personal waste left behind, requiring professional cleaning services.

Damaged Jarrah hardwood floors with deep scratches, water damage, and discoloration. — Premium Jarrah hardwood floors severely damaged, requiring costly refinishing or replacement.

Interior door with missing handle, showing just an empty hole where the hardware should be. — Interior door with handle completely removed, rendering the door non-functional.

Close-up of cigarette burn marks and ash residue on surfaces despite the no-smoking policy. — Cigarette burn damage and ash residue throughout the property, violating the no-smoking clause in the lease.

Piles of trash left in the backyard including broken furniture and household waste. — Additional trash abandoned in the outdoor areas, requiring professional removal services.

More debris and discarded items scattered around the property exterior. — Further property neglect evident in the exterior spaces, showing complete disregard for maintenance responsibilities.

Lessons Learned About Tenant Property Damage

This experience taught me valuable lessons about property management in Belmont WA and beyond:

Regular, documented inspections are essential
Thorough tenant screening can prevent major issues
Self-management can be more profitable with the right approach
Comprehensive insurance coverage is non-negotiable
Maintaining detailed records of all communications is crucial

According to the Department of Commerce WA, landlords should conduct inspections at least quarterly to identify issues before they escalate.

Have you experienced tenant property damage? What strategies have worked for you in managing rental properties? Share your experiences in the comments below.