The loss of priceless art, jewelry, autos, memorabilia and watches could often match or exceed the property values.

Withholding the entire amount of the security deposit doesn’t even cover the costs incurred. 

It's simply factual:  you violated the lease by smoking, stop it, remove the resulting odor and that a repeat action could result in eviction and loss of security deposit.  

I tell people if they can match their current rent or do better then it's likely worth it, but you may need to get creative on the cash flow part if you only plan on living their a year or two.

From what I have seen, the typical remedy is termination of the contract, refund of the EM deposit and all expenses incurred by the buyer during the failed transaction.

Also helping was a relationship with that bank (deposit accounts) and good credit. 

Separate accounts per property incurs a lot of overhead, such as minimum balances or fees for missing the minimum.I use separate accounts for each tenant's security deposits.

Just participated in their webinar, which wasn't live, but just a video at the end when he was showing testimony, he said that guy make a first deal with paying EARNEST Money DEPOSIT with his OWN money!!! 

Purchase price: $187,000 Cash invested: $15,000 Sale price: $259,000 I got tired of moving place to place and worrying about finding roommate, security deposits and not having enough money to deal with maintaining someone elses home.

Since the payment was deposited into your account on 1/6/2025, it would typically be considered income for 2025, even though the tenant paid it on 12/31/2024.However, if you use cash-basis accounting (which most landlords do), the key factor is when you physically receive the money, not when it was sent or owed.