How do you keep all the Security Deposit? - Landlord Forum thread 327612

How do you keep all the Security Deposit? by Bill (MD) on November 19, 2014 @11:12

I was told when a tenant knows they are getting an eviction that they know they are not getting any of their SD back? I guess this is a dumb question. The landlord simply uses their SD to cover the past-due rent (if it covers all) and sends a receipt of what's left. And the tenant obviously trashes the place on the way out.

So I guess my question is if you evict and the tenant pays everything back after the day of eviction and you check the place out and everything is good, would be be required to give back the SD?

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Re: How do you keep all the Security Deposit? by Bill on November 19, 2014 @11:58	[ Reply ]

Some states do not allow the application of delinquent rent to the deposit. If yours does, it is unlikely that the deposit will be subject to a refund for the payment of the rent. You still must apply all the cleaning, damages and repairs to the deposit. If your state allows you to, also charge off your labor and relisting expenses, take those too. Whatever you do, you must send out a security deposit settlement letter within the limits your state law requires. This can range from 2 weeks to 30 days. List all your charges against the deposit. It will often result in a negative balance that you can take the tenant to small claims for.

Re: How do you keep all the Security Deposit?