Holiday home liability: Who pays for the damage?

Questioner

Acquaintances have unintentionally damaged a sliding door in our holiday home. They do not want to take responsibility for the repair costs, because according to them the door was already not working properly when they entered the property. We have previously reported that opening the door should be done with great care, because it concerns a sensitive mechanism of tilting and sliding. By opening the door they took a certain risk. Who is liable for the repair costs?

Lawyer

These acquaintances are responsible for the actions they commit in this case, inflicting damage on the facade. They must therefore compensate for this damage. You must also have the damage recorded and inform the acquaintances of this in writing. They can then use this to their liability insurance. If they do not want to cooperate, the only way to enforce this is through the courts. If you would like further help and/or advice, please feel free to contact me.