All Forum Posts by: Adam Atchison-Lynde

I was able to find the security deposit law about only being able to charge up to 2 months rent for persons under 62 years of age. I couldn't find any specific laws or regulations regarding pets other than service animals are always allowed. I assume I can set any deposit or charge for pets as long as I don't exceed that 2 month law. 

Thank you for the replies!

I could not find anything conclusive about the law for a pet deposit or monthly fee. I plan on having a $250 deposit to cover the cost of cleaning the carpet when a tenant with a pet moves out. I don't plan on renting to many people with pets but one of my first applicants has a cat so I think that's okay. If I am not allowed to legally charge this then I think I will require the tenant to have the carpets professionally cleaned when moving out.

Thank you for the advice, I will send him a certified letter with the charges. It was $50 to fix the step and $200 to clean the place so I'll find out if he thinks it's worth fighting. Have a new tenant lined up, I will be modifying the lease to include a cleaning checklist and a spot to verify place of employment.

I bought a property and at closing received the tenants deposit as a seller credit. As I never actually got the deposit, I made the mistake of telling my tenant he could not pay last months rent to avoid giving him $1,000 out of my pocket. He now moved out and while the place is fairly clean, he damaged an outdoor step and it could use a thurough cleaning. He paid his rent on time and was a good tenant but I can tell he's trying to get out while he can. I think my only recourse is to get estimates for repairs and cleaning and send them to him. He also isn't providing his forwarding address which is in violation of the lease but the post office should get it to him. Any advice is appreciated.