Security Deposit & Pet Deposit - Can one supplement the other?

[Shane Moss]

Scenario 1: The wood floors need to be refinished because dog urine has ruined them and the pet deposit doesn't completely cover the damage. Can part of the security deposit be used to cover the rest?

Scenario 2: You have holes in the ceiling and walls (obviously not from pets) and the security deposit doesn't completely cover the damage. Can part of the pet deposit be used to cover the rest?

None of these cases have happened to me, but I'd like to know how this works in case I'm unfortunate enough to be in a situation like this.

Thanks!

[Jon Holdman]

Make the pet deposit non-refundable and state that it is for cleaning and deodorizing. Any damage comes from the security deposit, whether cause by man or beast. I'd set the pet deposit high enough to be sure you can give the place a through cleaning and carpet cleaning (if applicable). If the cleaning is more than the pet deposit, it comes out of the regular deposit. When you give the security deposit accounting, include the cleaning and anything else, and show the pet deposit as a credit. Then, take the remaining amount from the security deposit.