How to make a roommate/tenant pay for damages caused

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How to make a roommate/tenant pay for damages caused

My husband an I allowed a friend to rent a spare bedroom from us in the house we
own. He has a dog. In the few months he has been here, his dog has caused damage
to parts of our carpet and damage to the wood flooring in the room he is renting
from us. If he does not willingly agree to pay for damages/repairs, what are our
options?

Asked on February 24, 2019 under Real Estate Law, Ohio

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Your option is to sue him: that is how you get money from anyone, friend, tenant, or otherwise, who damages your property. If the amount is less than the limit for your state's small claims court, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective option is a small claim suit, brought by one of you on a "pro se" (as his/her own lawyer) basis. Either of you who is on the house's title/deed can bring the lawsuit.


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