I found the tenants used to have three unauthorized cats

[Ju Hyun K.]

Hello,

My lease has the following policy: (1) maximum two pets (more than two pets not allowed), (2) for each pet, nonrefundable deposit $250 mandatory, (3) For any pets and animals to be kept in or about the premise, the tenants must get the permission from landlord.

My tenants noticed two dogs and paid $500 as nonrefundable deposit. However, yesterday from their facebook, I found they actually have three additional unauthorized cats on top of the authorized two dogs. It seems like they fostered the cats. I am not sure if they still keep the cats. When I inspect the house, they successfully hid the cats and I couldn't find the cats.

The lease ends next month and so eviction is not very meaningful.

What can I do now? Can I deduct $750= 3*$250 from their security deposit with the evidence of facebook photos?

They don't know that I found this from their facebook yet. Please let me know if I can deduct the pet deposit from their security deposit. Thank you.

[Nathan Gesner]

They violated the lease and owe you $750. If you feel the evidence is strong enough that it would stand up in court, deduct it from their deposit and move on.

I would focus on general cleaning and repair first. Is there any odor from the cats? After cleaning and repairs, then I would charge the deductible for the cats.

If the house is in great shape, they were really good renters, and the cats were only there for a short time, then I would probably let it slide. If they were there for months, I would at least charge a portion.