We are renting right now.
Our landlord left his patio table on the deck and said we were welcome to use it.
A few nights ago, there was a crazy storm and it blew the table over and the glass table top broke.
We had to pay to have a service clean up the mess and it was not cheap.
If you were in this situation, would you replace the table? We didn't ask to use it -- he just didn't move it and told us we could leave it out.
I can't decide what to do. I don't necessarily feel responsible for this, but I want to do the right thing.
What would you do?
Thanks for the feedback. I should clarify that the deck is raised. When the table broke it shattered into about 10,000 pieces all over the deck, and then blew off the deck and all over the yard. It was a very intense and windy storm. So there was no option but to call a service as there was glass all over the yard.
Why did you pay to have a service come clean up the glass? Wasn't it just a matter of sweeping up the glass with a broom and dustpan?
Since this was a storm, I really wouldn't sweat this and feel like I had to replace the table. If you child was playinga and broke the table, then I would feel responsible to replace it.
Say to the landlord: "Hey remember that storm from a couple nights ago? Well your table outside blew over and the glass smashed everywhere. We had a service come out to clean it up. I'd like to replace the table for you, but we're not really able to afford it right now. The cleaning service cost $__ as it is and that's put our budget out of whack. I just thought I'd let you know."
Likely, if he's a good guy, he'll understand and say "I'm glad y'all are okay." and not ask for compensation. Tough situation. B/c technically it's his table and it's not like you were negligent in it's care. He should let you off the hook for this one.
I don't think you should replace it. It was out of your control and he left it there. Technically it's part of the rental agreement right, so shouldn't he cover it? I would just tell him about it and leave it at that and I don't think you should have to be responsible for it.
I would just give him a call to let him know the storm blew over the table and it shattered. You could also mention that you had someone come clean up the glass since your son plays outside. I would treat it just like if there were lanterns out side and they were shattered by debris flying around. But don't wait long to let him know.
Just tell him what happen, but do so as soon as possible. He left it there. He will let you know what he wants to do from there.
I don't believe it is your responsibility to replace it, as he left it there and you didn't break it. You never asked to borrow his table, so it is not your responsibility.
Your landlord may have insurance that could replace the table and pay for the clean-up. You should talk him ASAP. You should not have had to pay for the clean-up as that sort of thing is a land-owner's responsibility. Maybe you can be reimbursed, but it would have been better to talk to your landlord first...
I'd let him know that it broke, but I wouldn't offer to pay to replace it. The table was damaged by an act of God, not through any negligence on your part.
Actually, I think it would have been your landlord's responsibility to clean it up in the first place, since he left it there.
His homeowners insurance will ether replace it or gve him money for it.
You should have asked him how he wanted to get the glass up before you had a cleaning service do it.
You shouldn't have tried to commit him to an expense without getting him involved.
Good luck to you and yours.
