Monthly rent and Deposit dispute

[Juan Rosado]

Yesterday I encountered the following problems with a family living on one of my properties:

1. They said they are thinking on moving out before November 15, 2019 and they want a rent cut, meaning instead paying $750 for a full months rent, they want to pay half of it ($375.00). I told that in order to do this they should have gave a 30 day notice by before October 15, 2019. They said they did send the previous owner a notification (via text message), but he never answered back. I agreed to let them pay $375 if they move before November 15, 2019, but if they extend by even one day they had to pay the full months rent of $750. Do you think this was wise, or would you advice differently?

2. They are asking me if they will receive their $500 deposit back once they move. The problem is that this property has changed ownership three times in the past 3 years and I signed a document saying that the seller won't give the buyer (myself) the tenant deposit. What should I do? Should I contact the previous owner and ask if he could help me with this?