I took from the security deposit in the middle of tenancy

[Angela Mendoza]

Hello, 

I was wondering if someone experience handling the security deposit before the tenancy ended. My tenants damaged the bathroom floor by bathing their pets in the bathtub and letting water get to the floor by not closing the curtains.  The problem got worse quickly so I had to change the vinyl floor to tile to avoid the problem getting worse.  Should an email be enough as I have it in my lease that email is an acceptable form of communication, or I should send a certified mail with the deduction from their deposit as I would if it were at the end of their lease.   Property is in Virginia.  Thanks for all the help

[John Underwood]

Quote from @Angela Mendoza:

Hello, 

I was wondering if someone experience handling the security deposit before the tenancy ended. My tenants damaged the bathroom floor by bathing their pets in the bathtub and letting water get to the floor by not closing the curtains.  The problem got worse quickly so I had to change the vinyl floor to tile to avoid the problem getting worse.  Should an email be enough as I have it in my lease that email is an acceptable form of communication, or I should send a certified mail with the deduction from their deposit as I would if it were at the end of their lease.   Property is in Virginia.  Thanks for all the help

 I would never deduct from the security deposit. That is your protection at the end of the lease.

I would bill them and it should be treated as rent if you lease allows this. Either way make them pay for damages now.