Security Deposit Aftermath

[Naji Boutros]

I've had a great relationship with every one of my tenants, except for one. We'll call her Sally. Despite my best efforts, Sally was just not happy with me as her landlord. If I'm being 100% honest, I didn't like her either. From the get go, my gut wasn't sitting well with her application. I let myself get talked into accepting her application from a family member. 

We signed a 3 year lease, and, long story short, it was not good times for anyone involved. I was happy to see her leave, and she was happy to leave.

There are certain damages to my property that I did not charge her for, and in hindsight I see that it was a pathetic attempt to win her friendship. Instead of thanking me for giving 90% of her security deposit back, she bit my head off over the last 10%. In reality, she did a lot of damage and not only could I have taken her entire deposit, I could have invoiced her for more.

It's been months, but I'm wondering if I can take her to small claims court and sue for the damages I didn't charge her for.

[Michele Fischer]

I suggest you let it go and move on.  You've likely missed your window, given that most states have deadlines to report damage, and you implied that there was nothing more.  Normally when I have a tenant that I choose not to charge (trying to avoid drama, not enough to worry with, unsure of true cost, choosing not to replace right away), I normally list those out at the bottom in the comments section so that they and any lawyers or judges who get involved later know that leniency was granted.  Never with the intention of going after it if they aren't thankful enough.  Learn from the experience, trust your gut next time, and focus on the future rather than the past.