Pet security deposit - Landlord Forum thread 359553

Pet security deposit by Ellie on July 31, 2019 @18:42

I have a tenant who has 2 dogs.
He said both dogs died. He wants security deposit back for what he paid.
I understand security deposit are returned at the end of the lease,and he is staying just want to hear your thoughts.

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Re: Pet security deposit by Garry on July 31, 2019 @21:05	[ Reply ]

Just because the dogs are gone now, does not mean they did not do any damage to the property while they were living. There could be scratched floors or doors, or smells or stains in carpeting which may not show up until the place is vacant. The dogs may have left fleas there, also. Deposits are not for the animals themselves, but to cover the DAMAGES they may leave the landlord to deal with once the tenant has moved out. Then there's also the possibility that the tenant could decide to replace the dogs with another dog(s), and if you have already returned his pet deposit, he may be unable or unwilling to give you another deposit for the new pet(s). Keep the pet deposit, and tell the T you will settle up with him after he moves out.