What To Do When a Tenant Trashes Your Rental Property

Pezon Properties • December 3, 2022

Investing in rental property as a landlord is a worthy cause and a means of generating passive income. That’s why when we buy houses in Pennsylvania, we invest money to keep the property clean and safe for the tenants.

Chances are, as a landlord, you’ve put a lot of time and money into your rental property and screening tenants. But despite your best efforts, you may get tenants that end up seriously damaging your rental property either accidentally or on purpose.

Fortunately, you can get your apartment in proper shape and get compensation if the tenant damages the property without provocation.

Keep reading to understand how to kick-start the repair process and sue your tenant for criminal damage.

First Off: What Are The General Obligations of Tenants And Landlords?

Different states have varying regulations governing tenant-landlord relationships in renting agreements. However, the underlying factor is that landlords and tenants alike have legally-binding obligations to observe in their renting process.


When we buy houses in Pennsylvania, the Landlord-Tenant Law protects tenants from irresponsible landlords while giving landlords legal options to take against destructive tenants.


Under the law, landlords should only repair damages from an ordinary wear on their rental property. In addition, they’re responsible for damages caused by natural forces such as weather elements.


On the other hand, tenants should carry a financial and legal responsibility for any damages arising from their negligence or that of their guests. Tenants must also observe reasonable care and not damage the property they’re renting.

How Should You Handle Damage On Your Property?

Stay Objective

Extensive damage to your property can be aggravating due to massive cost implications. However, making rash decisions could be costly in the long run.



For instance, if you evict the tenant from your property without a valid court order, you could be sued for unlawful eviction. Experts, therefore, recommend sound objectivity when handling disputes with a tenant on your property.

Assess The Situation

A vital step following damage to your property is assessing the damage to ascertain that the tenant caused the damage. Here, you can review if you have had past issues with the tenant, which could trigger an emotional outburst.


In addition, you could try to unravel if the damage was intentional or accidental. If the damage were accidental, the tenant would most likely notify you when it happens and take full responsibility for the damage.

Document Evidence From The Scene

When handling severe property damages, it is advisable to document each extent of the damage. You can walk through the property while taking still photos and videos accompanied by relevant commentaries describing the damage.


Documenting the evidence will come in handy if you agree with the tenant to deduct a portion of the security deposit for repairs. In addition, if you intend to report in a small claims court, documented evidence will help you back up the case.

Get Repair Estimates

Extensive damages beyond normal wear could render your apartment uninhabitable for some time. It is advisable to bring a qualified contractor as soon as possible, if I need to sell my house fast Pennsylvania. An excellent way to ensure an accurate estimate is to get several quotes from different bidders.

Negotiate With The Tenant

Once you assess the situation, document the evidence, and get your estimates, it is time to bring the tenant on board. A little kindness will come a long way to help you solve the problem amicably and reach a meaningful solution.


First, you should let the tenant know the extent of the damage and seek their opinion on how to fix it. Depending on your relationship with the tenant, you may agree to split the costs or simply ask the tenant to settle the cost of repairs.


Alternatively, you can deduct the expenses from the tenant’s security deposit or draft an agreeable payment plan.

How To Handle a Rogue Tenant

Sometimes, you’ll encounter a rogue tenant who acts without remorse for the damages caused on the property. Worse still, the tenant may be hostile and responsive. If you’ve made futile attempts to resolve the damage with your tenant, it may be time to take the required legal action.

The following key steps will come in handy while dealing with a rogue tenant:

Contact The Police

It is advisable to report the matter to the police if a hostile tenant continues to damage your property deliberately. Moreover, if the tenant steals some of your home appliances, the police may institute criminal charges for theft against the tenant. A police report would also be necessary if you intend to seek compensation from your property insurer.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

An insurance policy may cover a portion of the damage incurred on your property. But first, you’ll need to contact your agent to file a claim and the possibility of getting compensation. 


In most cases, filing a compensation claim will require you to dig deeper into your pocket since your annual premiums will equally increase. Therefore, conducting a cost-benefit analysis is advisable before you file your compensation claim.

Sue The Tenant

A small claims court is the best platform to sue a rogue, non-compliant tenant for damages exceeding the security deposit. In a small claims court, a jury may order the tenant to pay you for all the damages to the property. Ensure you have documented evidence from the crime scene to support your court claims.

File For Eviction

An eviction notice is usually the last resort in settling a dispute between the landlord and the tenant. However, executing an eviction is relatively slower since you need an eviction order from the court.


Before then, the court will receive your formal application for eviction and notify the tenant of a lawsuit for their eviction. Afterward, the court will grant the tenant an opportunity to file their response and issue an eviction notice where applicable.


Generally, a landlord may file for a tenant’s eviction under different circumstances, including;

  • Failure of the tenant to pay rent.
  • Severe damage to the property by the tenant.
  • Severe injuries to the landlord by the tenant.
  • Non-compliance after lease expiry.
  • Carrying out illegal activities on the property.

Give us a call anytime at 484-484-0971 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

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Mathew Pezon

About the author

Mathew Pezon

Mathew Pezon is the founder and CEO of Pezon Properties, a cash home buying company located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. With several years of experience in the real estate industry, Mathew has become a specialist in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. He takes pride in providing a hassle-free, transparent, and fair home buying experience to his clients. Mathew is also an active member of his local community and is passionate about giving back. Through his company, he has contributed to various charities and causes.

First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Requirements Explained Simply

By Mathew Pezon • June 12, 2026
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Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: What Is the Real Difference?

By Mathew Pezon • June 11, 2026
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How to Find the Best Real Estate Agents Near Me in Allentown, PA

By Mathew Pezon • June 10, 2026
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How Current 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Compare to Other Loan Types

By Mathew Pezon • June 9, 2026
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Closing Costs Breakdown: Buyer Fees Explained for First-Time Home Buyers

By Mathew Pezon • June 8, 2026
If you are about to buy your first home, the Closing Costs Breakdown Buyer Fees Explained in this article will save you from expensive surprises at the closing table. By the end, you will know exactly what you owe, why you owe it, and how to prepare for every dollar. Buying a home is exciting. But many first-time buyers focus only on the down payment and forget about closing costs entirely. Then they get a document called a Closing Disclosure, a few days before closing, and feel overwhelmed. That does not have to happen to you. What Are Closing Costs and Why Do Buyers Have to Pay Them? Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize a home purchase. They are separate from your down payment. Think of them as the price of doing business in a real estate transaction. These costs arise because many parties are involved in a single home sale. Lenders, title companies, attorneys, appraisers, and local governments all play a role. Each one charges a fee for their part of the work. Where Do Closing Costs Come From? Real estate transaction costs come from three main sources. First, your lender charges fees to process and approve your loan. Second, third-party service providers, such as title companies and appraisers, charge for their services. Third, your local government collects taxes and recording fees. In Reading, PA , buyers also deal with Pennsylvania-specific transfer taxes. These are split between the buyer and the seller, but they still affect your total settlement fees. Knowing who charges what helps you ask the right questions before closing day. What Is a Loan Estimate? When you apply for a mortgage, your lender must provide you with a Loan Estimate within 3 business days. This document breaks down every expected cost in a clear format. It is your first chance to review your home purchase expenses before they become final. Read it carefully. Compare it to estimates from other lenders. Small differences in loan origination charges can add up to hundreds of dollars over time. What Is a Closing Disclosure? Three business days before closing, your lender sends a Closing Disclosure. This document shows the final numbers for every fee. It should closely match your Loan Estimate. If something looks very different, ask your lender to explain the change right away. You have the right to understand every line before you sign anything.

How Does a House Affordability Calculator Online Tool Actually Work?

By Mathew Pezon • June 5, 2026
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By Mathew Pezon • June 4, 2026
If you are wondering, "Should I Buy a House in the 2026 Market?", you are not alone. This article breaks down exactly what is happening with home prices right now, so you can make a smarter decision with your money. The short answer is this: prices are still rising in most areas, but the pace has slowed down. That matters a lot if you are a buyer in Bethlehem, PA waiting on the sidelines. Let's dig into the details so you know exactly what you're dealing with. Are Home Prices Going Up or Down in 2026? Home prices in 2026 are going up, but not as fast as they were in 2021 and 2022. That rapid spike is over. What we have now is a slower, steadier climb that looks more like a normal market. National Price Trends Right Now The national median home price sits around $415,000 as of early 2026. That is up roughly 4 to 5 percent from 2025. Buyers are paying more than they were a year ago, but not dramatically more. The housing affordability index has improved slightly compared to late 2024. That means buying a home is a little more manageable for average earners. Lower mortgage rates have helped more than price drops have. What Is Happening With Price Per Square Foot The price per square foot nationally is hovering around $215 to $235, depending on the region. In suburban and rural markets, you can still find homes well below that range. Urban cores and high-demand suburbs push that number much higher. Here is why this number matters: It lets you compare homes of different sizes fairly It shows you where value is hiding in a market It helps you spot overpriced listings quickly It is a great negotiation tool when making an offer Are Sellers Still in Control? In most markets, sellers still have the upper hand, but not by much. Inventory has grown compared to 2022 and 2023. Buyers are seeing more choices, and that has created some breathing room. Seller concessions are becoming more common. Sellers are offering to pay closing costs, buy down interest rates, or cover repair credits. This is a real shift from the take-it-or-leave-it attitude of just a few years ago. Now that you understand the big picture, let's look at which specific markets are moving the fastest.

How to Get a 24 Hour Cash Offer For Your House

By Mathew Pezon • June 3, 2026
If you need to sell your home fast, getting a 24 Hour Cash offer for your house might be the smartest move you can make. This article walks you through every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect and can move forward with total confidence. Selling a home the traditional way can take months. You deal with showings, repairs, lender delays, and deals that fall through at the last minute. But cash home buyers in Allentown, PA work differently. We cut out the noise and give you a real offer fast, sometimes within a single business day. How Does the 24 Hour Cash Offer Process Work From Start to Finish? The process is simpler than most homeowners expect. Once you understand each step, the whole experience feels a lot less stressful and a lot more manageable. Step One: You Reach Out and Share Basic Details Everything starts when you contact us. You fill out a short form or make a quick phone call. You share basic facts about your home, including the address, the property type, and a rough idea of its current condition. This first step takes less than five minutes. There is no pressure, no commitment, and no obligation offer required on your end at this stage. You are simply opening the door to a conversation. Step Two: The Property Evaluation Begins Once we receive your information, the property evaluation process begins immediately. A local home buying specialist reviews your details and researches your neighborhood. We review recent sales in Allentown, PA, to determine your home's value in today's market. This research phase is thorough but fast. The goal is to understand your home's value without wasting your time. You will not wait days just to hear back. We move quickly so you can make an informed decision as soon as possible.

5 Signs a Cash Home Buyer Is Legitimate

By Mathew Pezon • June 2, 2026
If you are thinking about selling your home for cash, knowing how to spot legitimate cash home buyers and avoid scams is the most important skill you can have. This article breaks down five clear signs a buyer is real, so Pennsylvania homeowners can protect themselves before signing anything. Selling your home fast sounds appealing. But scammers know that too. They target homeowners who are stressed, behind on payments, or just want a quick sale. The good news is that spotting a fake buyer is easier than you think once you know what to look for. What Are the Biggest Warning Signs of a Cash Buyer Scam? Before we talk about what makes a buyer legitimate, let us first cover the red flags. Knowing the bad signs helps you recognize the good ones faster. They Pressure You to Sign Immediately Real buyers give you time to review a contract. If we ever rush you to sign before you can read anything, that is a serious problem. Pressure tactics are among the most common red flags for cash buyers in real estate. Legitimate buyers understand that selling a home is a big decision. We welcome questions and want you to feel comfortable with every step. No trustworthy company should threaten to make an offer expire in the next hour. They Cannot Provide Written Documentation Any serious buyer should be able to hand over paperwork without hesitation. If someone cannot show you a signed purchase agreement or basic business documents, walk away. A real company has nothing to hide. Scammers rely on vague promises and verbal agreements. They avoid paper trails because paper trails expose them.

Top Reasons Homeowners Sell Their House Fast Without Repairs

By Mathew Pezon • May 29, 2026
If you want to sell your house fast without repairs, you are not alone, and this article will show you exactly which situations make an as-is home sale the smartest decision. Thousands of homeowners in Fleetwood face moments when fixing up a property simply isn't possible, and knowing your options can save you time, money, and serious stress. Selling a home the traditional way sounds simple on the surface. But the reality often includes costly repairs, picky buyers, and months of waiting. For many people, a faster and cleaner path exists. Understanding when to take that path is what separates a good outcome from a painful one. What Life Situations Push Homeowners to Sell Without Repairs? Life rarely gives warning before it gets complicated. A job loss, a health crisis, a divorce, or a sudden move can make the idea of renovating a home feel completely out of reach. These are the moments when homeowners in Allentown, PA, start asking whether selling as-is makes sense. Job Loss and Financial Pressure When income disappears, monthly bills pile up fast. Homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments cannot afford to spend thousands on new flooring or a roof replacement. Every dollar matters. Selling quickly without repairs lets families protect their credit and move forward without extra debt. Buyers who purchase homes as-is, like the team at Pezon Properties, expect properties in imperfect condition. We factor repair costs into their offer, which means you never have to open your wallet for a single fix. That straightforward process helps people in financial hardship, in home-sale situations, avoid foreclosure and other long-term damage. Divorce and Relationship Changes Divorce is one of the most common reasons people need to sell a home quickly. When two people split, neither party usually wants to coordinate repairs, contractors, or showings. The goal becomes moving on as fast as possible. An as-is sale removes that friction entirely. Both parties agree to sell the property in its current condition, receive a fair cash offer, and divide the proceeds. No arguments about who pays for the kitchen remodel. No delays waiting for permits or inspections to clear. Sudden Relocation for Work or Family Relocation timelines are rarely flexible. When a new job starts in six weeks or a family member needs care in another state, you cannot spend three months fixing up a house. You need a buyer who moves at your pace. Selling as-is to a cash buyer like Pezon Properties in Allentown, PA, can close in as few as 7 to 14 days. That speed gives you breathing room to focus on the move itself rather than managing a renovation project from a distance. Now that you understand how life events drive these decisions, let us look at what happens when financial pressure reaches a critical point and whether an as-is sale can provide real relief.