If you are renting a home and planning on paying a regular security deposit, a cleaning fee AND a pet deposit, what legit reasons can you think of that would make the pet deposit automatically non-refundable? With deposits aren't you basically insuring the quality of the house/condo/etc. for when you vacate the premises? If the home is perfect (other than mandatory and minor cleaning) when you move out what the heck is the justification for keeping the entire pet deposit and the cleaning deposit (especially if the pet deposit is over $500)?
2006-08-07 19:04:03 · 8 answers · asked by Veronica 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Thanks for all the responses but I'm actually surprised by all the references to any remaining urine, etc. odor when a person with pets moves out. There are people who do have COMPLETE control over their animal thus there are NO accidents.
2006-08-08 04:45:13 · update #1
First of all, are there two separate deposits, or is the pet deposit an addition to the standard security deposit? If there is a surcharge added to the security deposit for a pet, then it is considered one deposit. In other words, the security deposit is for securing the premises in its' entirety - cleaning, repairs, etc., while the pet deposit is just for pet damages or cleaning only.
In my state, no part of a security deposit may be deemed unrefundable. The only reason that a landlord may keep any part of a security deposit is for any back rent, damages or other monies owed after the tenant has moved out.
A PET deposit can only be used toward PET damages. If your regular security deposit is used up and there were no pet damages, then the landlord must return the pet deposit. If, on the other hand, the pet has caused damages above and beyond the pet deposit, then the standard security deposit can be used toward the pet damages.
Personally, I feel that any non-refundable deposit or portion of deposit is just a way of gouging the tenant.
2006-08-08 04:24:39 · answer #1 · answered by mrlaursen 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Non Refundable Pet Deposit
2016-11-01 08:25:35 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's pretty standard to have a non-refundable pet deposit, although that amount seems a bit usurious. Perhaps the landlord has gotten burned in the past by pet owners.
Cleaning an apartment after an animal has been there usually requires more than "minor cleaning." There's usually odors, stains, and damage. Not to mention that lovely urine smell.
2006-08-07 19:10:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should look at your lease. A deposit, by definition, is refundable unless otherwise stated in your lease. For example, in my current lease, $100 of the cleaning deposit is non-refundable and it is clearly stated as such.
It sounds like perhaps your landlord is trying to screw you over. Unless there are drastic pet stains and smells and they have to replace carpet or flooring.
2006-08-07 19:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by seattlecutiepie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would question the legality of this "non refundable pet deposit" issue. Whoever told you that is probably trying to pull a fast one on you. Call your city hall (or wherever) to find out what the laws are regarding this. If your pet did not destroy the apartment, it seems to me that you would be entitled to your deposit.
2006-08-07 19:09:40 · answer #5 · answered by ♪ ♥ ♪ ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over $500?! How many pets do you have?
I know that for my apartment I have to pay $75 per cat and it is non-refundable, because they spray the place for fleas afterwards and do special cleaning for people with cat allergies.
If you only have one pet, or even two, they may just be doing this to deter you from having pets. Or absolutely scamming you. Who knows.
Some landlords are so rediculous!
2006-08-07 19:09:25 · answer #6 · answered by ChloeCat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that pet deposits are usually high and non refundable bcuz the land lord has to usually replace the carpet when there is a pet bcuz of allergies and stuff. I have 2 cats and I know that my carpet will have to be replaced when I move just bcuz of the fur.
By the by, My name is Veronica too!!!! You're a blessed lady!
2006-08-07 19:09:34 · answer #7 · answered by Ronka 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you cannot control a pet's bowels. And everyone knows it. If anyone who rents after you smells your pet, the renter has to go to drastic measures to remove the odor. It's a gamble to rent to pet owners.
They will shampoo or replace the carpet when you leave anyway.
that is a steep pet deposit, though. Sounds more like the whole security deposit.
2006-08-07 19:10:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really. pet will always leave dander and smell as well as damage to any house so the deposit is usually non refundable
2006-08-07 19:08:57 · answer #9 · answered by ML 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋