I suggest you keep it only if you *want* to do so, and if you're prepared to acknowledge that your motivation isn't purely financial.Best of luck, and condolences on your father's passing.

Consider getting a holding deposit in the future.Receipt is hereby acknowledged of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) Holding Deposit from xxx (Applicant) to hold the rental unit at the following address: xxx until xxx.If the unit is not available at the agreed upon date the landlord will make a full refund of the deposit without interest, and with no liability or penalty to either party.

We do not make exceptions on this rule.Again this was my experience and how I fixed it, and yes we put this in our addendums of our lease that they have to acknowledge and sign at lease signing.

I have this prohibited in the lease and even have email proof that they knew this is a violation and acknowledged to me they would not do it.Meanwhile, hopefully all of you Bigger Pockets people will not snitch on me to the authorities!

could not find anything in the truth in renting document 2. does anyone have a sample receipt/acknowledgement one page document that both parties sign in this scenario. customized to NJ if possible. 

They may be overwhelmed and a little ADD, which is fine, but when you put out your hand and say their name, they should acknowledge you and sniff in your direction even if they're too ADD to come to you.  

What do you think about using email to notify, as long I request some sort of response/acknowledgement?

If he is in a current lease and you don't want to give him flexibility or if he refuses to sign anything acknowledging you as the new owner, you may need to take him to court.  

But she acknowledged that her daughter's dog was there frequently.

I include a link to the city's animal ordinance and have updated my lease to include a place for them to initial and acknowledge those specific requirements (which include micro-chipping, leash laws, etc.)