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Damage deductions from Deposit-Contract not signed - Landlord Forum thread 323146

Damage deductions from Deposit-Contract not signed by Pam on August 21, 2014 @11:39

                              
Potential tenant supplied $500 deposit toward rental effective 9/1/14. I allowed her to work painting home @ $10/hr (I estimate that she spent 12 hrs, but asked her to document her hours….which she never did) - those monies would be applied to prorated August rent when home was ready for move in.

- Move in date - never discussed or agreed to, however she said she was staying at Hampton Inn, but I found she was living in my home using my utilities.
- In process of painting, she damaged carpet, woodwork and newly refinished bathtub as well as other damages amounting to approx. $300
- She never signed the lease contract, and when confronted regarding squatting, has asked for her $500 deposit back.

Can I deduct damages and daily rent from the $500? I have taken pictures to document damages.
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Re: Damage deductions from Deposit-Contract not signed by Bill on August 21, 2014 @11:48 [ Reply ]
No, you will not be able to deduct for a bad paint job. This is a "live and learn" kind of lesson.

Never allow a tenant to perform work for you. It always turns out this way.

Never allow a tenant to have the keys before the lease is signed.

Never take a refundable deposit.

Pay for the 12 hours and refund the tenant the deposit. Be happy your tenant is willing to get out.

Again, live and learn. Make sure you get the keys and the tenant is all the way out before you refund the deposit.
Re: Damage deductions from Deposit-Contract not signed by Katiekate (New York) on August 21, 2014 @12:24 [ Reply ]
Bill is correct

And...let me say it again. NEVER ALLOW A TENANT TO DO ANY WORK ON YOUR PLACE. And NEVER AGREE TO PAY FOR IT!

Geez...this is exactly what happens....then the tenant demands payment and tries to take it as lower rent. It always ends with a hassle for you, lost money, and often damage to boot

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