Security deposit Questions

[Shodhan Patel]

All

Need some help/advice

My tenant who rented the house for half a decade left only giving 2 wk notice (contract said 3 months). He ruined the place, more than normal wear and tear on floors, walls and bathrooms. The stove we replace less then 2 years ago now needs to be replaced again as the cleaners can’t salvage it. That’s the back ground.

Now he has sent the PM and Us a threatening letter to take us to court over his security deposit and damages. He claims to be another Real Estate investor. Do I have any grounds to keep the security deposit? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Anthony Wick]

@Shodhan Patel

Sounds like you’re within your rights to keep damage deposit to fix those items. Make sure you give tenant written notification within proper timeframe, listing why and how much of deposit you’re keeping. Copies of receipts for money spent is good too.

It all comes down to if you believe a judge will take your side or not. A lot of tenants bluff suing you. Doubtful they could prove their case.