Security Deposit Question

[Zoe Marr]

HI guys.....I have a somewhat complicated tenant issue....any ideas on what to do?

I had a new tenant give me deposit. She wanted to move in September 15th, so she also paid me for half of September and signed a one year lease. Come October 1st I reach out and asked when I can get the rent and we agreed on the 5th. Come the 5th, she tells me that she can't afford it and wants out of lease. The same night ( she had never really moved in) she went back to the apartment and removed all of her belonging. She's now been reaching out to get the deposit back. I told her to go to court, but she's treating to come to my house. These are not the most "logical"people, and I feel like she made me loose on a month of rent, so why should I refund her. The lease does state that deposit can be used for unpaid rent......any thoughts or similar experience?

[Matt P.]

@Zoe Marr Your state landlord Tennant laws should have guidance on whether you can use a security deposit as unpaid rent. Bottom line is you dont sound ready to handle this and should probably just give it back and move on to get this person out of your life, how does she even know where you live?