Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

5
Posts
1
Votes
Brian Ledbetter
  • Spring, TX
1
Votes |
5
Posts

Security deposit to cover unauthorized pet fees?

Brian Ledbetter
  • Spring, TX
Posted

Can a security deposit be used to cover unauthorized pet fees in a rental? I have a tenant that moved out and they had two unauthorized pets, a cat and a dog. I confronted them about this since the lease clearly states that no pets are allowed, and further calls for a fee of $50 per day, per animal. They admit to having the pets and acknowledge they would owe all fees. They even specified the date they got the animals and calculated what they owed, which was well over $10,000. I know there is no way they could ever pay that, but now that they have moved out, can the security deposit reflect that they owed significant pet fees and they will therefore not be receiving a refund of their deposit? To me the easy answer is yes, but I wanted to get some other thoughts. Many thanks.

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

1,557
Posts
1,142
Votes
Jacob Sampson
  • Investor
  • Topeka, KS
1,142
Votes |
1,557
Posts
Jacob Sampson
  • Investor
  • Topeka, KS
Replied

More than likely the security deposit can only go to damages.  Further, if it were to go to court the court would, likely, not uphold your pet fees.  $50/day is unreasonable.

Loading replies...