Lease ends, tenant moves out, and then you learn that they broke the No Pet Rule. What do you do?

[Charlie B.]

Would you keep a "Pet Fee" out of the security deposit?  In this instance I am holding 1.5 months deposit ($1,725).  Otherwise the tenants were perfectly pleasant.  So what do you think is fair in this instance? We're replacing the carpet- not necessarily due to the cat but it is a factor.  Thanks!

[Andrew S.]

I agree wit the others - "punitive damages" are not going to work here.  Can you even prove that they had a cat living there?  If you just see some cat hair, standard excuse will be that the animal was a short term guest.  I don't think you'll have an easy time recovering anything if they challenge you unless the lease specifically identifies monetary penalties for violating the rule - and even then it will be hard to convince a judge.  I'd say, simply move on.