How to handle returning Sec deposit to multi roomate situation

[Sada Rafi]

One out of 3 roommates is leaving and being replaced by another person. They each paid sec deposit and pay rent separately.

There are some minor damages in the common area of this single family house they live in. Her room has been switched during the two years she has lived here and now that she has left I have inspected it and some carpet and blind and broken frig door have been noticed. Of course none claims responsibility. So question is how to handle the return of her sec deposit? Do I estimate the cost of that and split between? But the other two one is new and the other still lives there. Thanks for any advice you could offer.

[Karen F.]

You end the old lease and begin a new one.  You inspect, deduct for damages, return a third to each of the tenants, collect a new deposit from each of the new tenants, and have them sign a new lease for going forward.  Easiest for all of them - the departing tenant is free of any obligation, you've been compensated for the damage, they start with a clean slate.