Re: Pet Deposit, How Much - Landlord Forum thread 321660

Re: Pet Deposit, How Much by Frankie (NC) on July 22, 2014 @17:48

A year ago I rented my home for the first time ever. I did allow a pet with a non-refundable $200 pet fee against my better judgement. (I had lived in the home 11 years and never had a pet) The tenant stated her pet was crate trained and when not in the crate was very laid back and house trained. The tenant is now moving out and as I am showing the place to perspective renters the smell is OVERWHELMING!! Not even sure that I can get the smell out. It is a turn off for those looking at the house. She also apparently gave the dog a bath in the expensive Jacuzzi tub. There is matted dog hair stuck in the drain and I'm worried about how much is in the jets. Urine stains on the carpeted stairs and damaged door frames where the dog chewed the frame AND the drywall. I haven't even completely searched the house for damage and I'm worried about what I will find. $200 is not going to cover the repairs. I love animals. I understand that they are great companions to many, but sadly I don't know that I can risk allowing another tenant to bring an animal in.(I am now reading that you should never charge a "deposit" for anything. Make sure it is stated as a Security Fee and this way it can be utilized even for unpaid rent in most states)

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