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Updated about 9 years ago, 10/28/2015
1st Time Returning Security Deposit
So I came to an agreement with my first tenants I've had since purchasing a duplex one year ago that they would leave 2.5 months earlier than their lease expired.
Too many problems to list but were basically too rude/loud and had to actually call the police several times to have them get the picture that they can't come back from the bar at 3 am and blast music, scream, and wrestle while I am trying to sleep below them.
Anyways, the time has come and they will be leaving this Sunday, this is in Michigan BTW. I have an issue with the security deposit. Two months ago I had the main line snaked at a cost of $260. The tech said the block was most likely due to the use of feminine products or flushable wipes(which came back on the snake), neither of which I use. This was written down on the invoice. They admitted to the use of the wipes in text, and said they wouldn't use it again. I paid the bill since I never did it while owning the home.
Fast forward to yesterday and my water is backing up again in my basement. Should I withhold this from their security deposit? I am inclined to because I don't think they stopped using them, things aren't good between them and I so I'm sure they just kept using them to piss me off.
Also, I haven't inspected the unit in its entirety but I did notice marks on the wall from someone scraping something against it. No drywall damage, but the paint will need to be touched up. I had just finished repainting the place the week before these girls moved in. Do you deduct for that or is damage like that really considered 'wear and tear'? In Michigan tenants get 2X for an improperly withheld security deposit, so I'm trying to avoid that happening but in my opinion, that isn't wear and tear.
What would you do?