Security deposit refund - Landlord Forum thread 361195

Security deposit refund by unicorn1 on April 7, 2021 @17:38

Hi All, I had an insurance agent in a suite for one year. A few months ago he asked me to see if I could do anything about two large stains in the carpet left there from the previous tenant (a massage therapist so presumably oil). He claims that they weren't visible when he moved in. He thinks the oil just came back up. I scrubbed for a few hours and tried my best but it didn't help much. I'm inclined to believe him but the carpet is also worn where he sat at his desk and then the usual touch up from pictures. He didn't paint the walls so I don't have any touch up paint as I just bought the property last year. I'm going to have a professional carpet cleaner do the carpet if he thinks he can restore it. If not i will replace it. I'm inclined to give him his full deposit back but I know I will spend several hours/days just restoring the non carpet things. My question is... Is it common to deduct $50.00 to $100.00 just for all the little things I will do to get it ready even though at a glance (and in his mind) it looks ready to rent minus the carpet issue?

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Re: Security deposit refund by Robert on April 13, 2021 @10:15	[ Reply ]

In a residential lease normal wear and tear happens. A commercial lease you should get expert advice on who pays what and put all that in your leases. Very different animals. Contact a commercial broker to maybe get sample lease language and the different options in that world. IF it's in your lease you should be charging at least $50 per hour for your work.

Re: Security deposit refund