Malicious damage by ex-tenants?

Malicious damage by ex-tenants?

Damaged kitchen floor with water and piggy bank in hard hat symbolizing repair and deposit dispute
12:01 AM, 28th October 2025, 6 months ago

Mark Alexander’s recent article about malicious damage made interesting reading, but leaves out one scenario which I`m sure would be of interest to landlords.

Take a situation, for example, where a landlord has evicted a tenant, whatever the reason. Often the tenant has been anti-social and upset neighbours, etc, but even when that is not the case he/she may have developed a grudge against the landlord. This could be because the landlord objected to them doing as they pleased, or it may simply be a case of “us versus them,” since all landlords are often perceived as horrible, money-grabbing millionaires.

After they have left and are no longer tenants, they may decide to visit the premises and cause some damage. What is the situation then? There may be no proof of just who has caused the damage, but is that relevant for insurance purposes?

Does the landlord have to prove that the damage, which will almost certainly be either external or in a communal area/hallway etc, has not been caused by an actual current tenant?

There can be all sorts of variations on this, but the underlying thread is the same. Has anyone experienced this situation?

Thanks,

Graheme


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