What do you do if your tenants cause damage to your Sacramento rental? There’s a substantial learning curve in real estate investment. While the numbers may look promising on paper, managing tenant relationships is far more complex than financial calculations. Never skip tenant screening steps, especially reference checks and contacting previous landlords. Even with thorough vetting, expect some level of damage from even the best tenants. California strongly favors tenant rights—often prioritizing them over property owners’ interests.
Tenants are the lifeblood of your investment strategy, and you need to understand the challenges ahead if you lack property management experience or strong interpersonal skills. By recognizing potential problems early, you can focus your resources on preventing damage before it occurs. Read on to discover what to do if your tenants cause damage to your Sacramento rental property.
If you’re ready to exit the landlord business and retire, call me today at (916) 300-7962. I specialize in buying houses fast for cash throughout Sacramento—particularly properties with tenants still in residence. This approach helps maintain your rental income without interruption right up until closing. Visit https://www.DarrenBuysSacramentoHomes.com/ or click here to see if selling your home is best for you https://youtu.be/0ULfAybPjCY
This Photo was of a Rental I Bought Cash in South Sacramento
Cause
The first thing you need to do if your tenants cause damage to your Sacramento rental property is carefully inspect the unit to determine the damage source. Accidents happen—even excellent tenants may cause unexpected damage beyond normal wear and tear that comes with rental property ownership. Other issues arise when tenants neglect proper property maintenance. While repairs are an inevitable part of property management, landlords can take steps to prevent damage from disgruntled tenants.
Tenant Responsibility
Once you’ve identified the cause of tenant damage to your Sacramento rental property, you’ll need to take appropriate steps to ensure the tenant covers repair costs according to your lease agreement terms. Typically, landlords deduct these expenses from security deposits at lease end. For extensive damage, legal action may be necessary. Be sure to document everything with photographs and maintain records of all repair estimates and receipts should your attorney or insurance company request evidence.
KEEP IN MIND-Automatic Cleaning charges are prohibited:
As of 1 April 2025 California established several new laws regarding cleaning and deposits.
Its called AB 2801 also prohibits automatic charges for cleaning and/or carpet cleaning unless those charges are reasonably necessary to restore the property to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy.
Some landlords have been charging for cleaning as a standard practice after every tenancy. I’ve seen leases with extensive lists of pre-agreed cleaning charges. This approach effectively creates a non-refundable security deposit, which is illegal. Landlords should remove such language from their leases immediately.
This doesn’t prevent landlords from charging for legitimate cleaning needed to restore the property to its pre-rental condition (minus normal wear and tear). Here is a link to AB 2801
New laws starting 1 April, 2025 establish different procedures for handling rental deposits. AB 2801 Requires 4 Times Landlords Must Take Photos For Deposit Deductions (And Forbids Mandated Cleaning Charges)
Landlord Responsibility
As a veteran property investor, I strongly recommend you DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT AND THEN DOCUMENT everything. Save all emails and texts for at least 3 years after tenant move-out. Following phone conversations, send a summary to the tenant and ensure they acknowledge receipt.
If your tenants regularly damage your Sacramento rental property, examine your property management approach and communication practices. For example, tenants may cause additional damage when their initial concerns go unaddressed. Late-night calls and minor disputes over parking might seem trivial, but these small matters significantly impact tenant relationships. Building positive connections with tenants helps prevent deliberate damage and preserves your property’s value. Frankly, it’s usually the small, unresolved issues that escalate into major problems. If you struggle with people management and conflict resolution, consider hiring a professional. Note that starting 1 April 2025, new laws affect handyman hiring practices. See AB 2622 which Raises The Daily Limit For Handymen From $500 To $1000
Darren Buys Homes Cash
I became a Sacramento landlord for the first time in 1996 and have encountered countless tenant personalities since then. What I’ve learned is that you can be an exceptional landlord and still face problems. Remember that tenant issues aren’t personal attacks—people face life challenges that affect their behavior regardless of your efforts. Over 30 years, I’ve bought and sold properties throughout Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Oak Park, Del Paso Heights, Florin, and North Highlands. During my career as a Realtor/Broker, I’ve managed properties for lenders, banks, and corporations across Greater Sacramento, specializing in challenging tenant situations and older properties from the 1950s and 1960s.
My landlord experience transformed my career and life. After returning from an overseas Air Force tour, I bought a condo, became a landlord, then a Realtor, then a Real Estate Broker, which led me to buying and renovating properties. As the Owner of Darren Buys Homes Cash, I understand the landlord challenges you face. Before tenants damage your Sacramento rental, let me help improve your property management approach. I know the laws protecting landlords and can assist with tenant screening, rental agreements, and all aspects of investment property management to reduce damage risks. From investment strategies to locating prime rental properties in Sacramento, Darren Buys Homes Cash can help you succeed as a landlord, particularly with problematic tenant situations, cluttered properties, and probate or inherited homes. With access to experts across real estate specialties and over 30 years of experience with tenant-occupied properties, Darren Buys Homes Cash can provide invaluable guidance. Contact Darren Buys Homes Cash at (916)300-7962. click here to see if selling your home is best for you https://youtu.be/0ULfAybPjCY
