Landlord charging for garage door panel?

[benon]

I've lived in Portland, Oregon in my rented townhouse for just over 2 years now.

My rented home's garage door is 10 years old, cheaply made, and the top panel is cracked in the middle. It has been cracking more with use. The landlord came and attached metal supports across the now essentially broken top panel, just 1-foot metal bars nailed in with studs. It was a temporary solution at best, as the door was still cracking, and I think the patchwork may have hastened the process.

My landlord told me that when I move out she's planning on charging me for a new top panel. I don't understand how that is something I should have to pay for. I hardly ever use the garage door, maybe twice a month, and have never done anything to damage it.

Anyone know tenant laws? =)

[muata2]

contact renter legal and prepare to
sue her if she does.
unless u damaged door, repairs
are
standard business operating costs.
Also get estimated on how much to
repair the parts she said she charging
for. u may need to pay but u will save
1000s$.

[ayize]

Your liability legally is limited to anything beyond normal wear and tear and then only the depreciated replacement value; not the full replacement cost. Your first argument is that it was damaged when you moved in and it was normal use that caused the damage. If for some reason you still are held liable, then you need to figure out the expected life of a similar garage door and figure out how much you would owe given it already has 10 years worth of use out of it. Both these arguments are something you'd likely be having in small claims court after you move out and after your landlord refuses to return your deposit.

[andor25]

Do you have a lease? Read it. Usually the landlord pays for normal wear and tear and the tenant pays for damages. You would do well to protect yourself well before you move out. Any conversation with a landlord should be documented with a letter sent return receipt. If you have to go to small claims court, you will have to prove you didn't damage the door but it cracked because it was cheaply made or installed improperly. I don't know enough about garage door panels to help you out but I thought they lasted just about forever. I don't know about junky doors though. Take pictures if it will support your cause. Tell her in the letter it is normal wear and tear because she put up such junky doors and that you have done nothing to damage it. I would also request that the door be repaired because it looks so bad and the door is embarrassing. If you end up paying for it...you might as well get to use it....LOL...good luck.