Security Deposit Charges

[Sara M.]

I had a rough tenant who finally moved out. It’s been a long 18 months and to no surprise she left the place a mess. We replaced all the upstairs carpet. I only charged her for one room because it smelled heavily of dog feces and urine. She is saying that is what her $250 non-refundable pet fee is for. No where on my pet addendum does it say it exactly. Am I okay charging her for this?

Her son also vandalized my vinyl fence that is on the other side of the duplex. I spoke to her about this and said she was responsible for the replacement panels. I didn’t call the cops trying to be gracious to a kid who did something stupid. Now she’s asking for a police report. 

The day she moved out I had to have the gas company come and shut the gas off because the basement smelled like gas. This was not a small gas leak. They found 4 leaks and said it’s rare to see this many. Pipes are in the ceiling. Plumber said it could be from kids playing/hanging on pipes. I only charged her half of the $800 bill. Is this responsible or am I on the hook for the whole thing? She never reported this gas leak to me. She had all her CO detectors on the kitchen counter when I walked in and all her smoke detectors needed batteries and some were dead. 

She also left several large items behind. Mini fridge, TV, microwave, vacuum, chair, and left alcohol bottles all over the shed in the back. She also left a huge pile of junk out on the side of the road. I charged her for disposal of the large items. Thoughts on this?

Shes owes me back about $1600. Has anyone ever had anything like this happen before? I am being realistic and knowing I won’t see I dime. I did write on there it’s due in a month and legal action may be taken if not paid. I offered a payment plan option. I don’t see the point in wasting the time and money to take her to court. Just curious what others have encountered? Any tips for adding things to the lease? Any advice in general is welcome. All I ask is please be kind :) This is all a learning experience for us. Any land-lording classes you recommend?

Thanks!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Sara M.:

Don't engage in back-and-forth arguments. Clean and repair, then provide her with the required statement and any refund. If she argues, ignore her. If she's serious and has a case, she can file in court and try to prove her case, or you can contact her and negotiate a settlement to avoid court.

In the future, make sure your lease is clear that fees, whether collected in advance or with the rent, are non-refundable and will not be used to cover cleaning or repairs.