Many landlords withhold some or all the deposit.

Regardless, the tenant has to post the unpaid rent amount with a court house (escrow account) before the judge entertains any complaints about withholding rent.

In addition, if there are damages to the property make sure to withhold for damages!

Greg, what is in the rental agreement matters, as it will determine the landlord's options, such as withholding from the tenant's security deposit. 

They will eat up profits fast with holding costs. 

or with projected withholdings like a proforma, accrual model?  

I've read the Kiyosaki books, but I dont agree with holding on to expensive debt.  

And withholding any payment just because something doesn't look right at the client's eyes is not a reason to do so, I'd say client and contractor should resolve this if it's within the scope, if yes, fix it, if not, pay it.

Garnishing wages thus requires a court judgment, and it also requires a court order to the employer, directing the employer to withhold an amount of money from each paycheck, and send it to local law enforcement, who will see that it’s paid to the plaintiff.

The more I learn about the various ways to make money within REI, the more comfortable I am coming to terms with holding the property.