2007-01-04 05:40:08 · 14 answers · asked by Sunny P 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If you signed the lease that said the deposit is non-refundable, then yes. If the lease, or anything you signed, didn't mention it, then no. I have an apt. with an non-refundable deposit, but it is much less that a refundable deposit of an entire month's lease. I'm assumining if it is less that a month's lease, it's a lot easier to make it legal, but I'm speaking from experience, not professionalism.
2007-01-04 05:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by Eliza79 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what it was for. Alot of places require a non-refundable pet deposit to thoroughly clean the apartment of any pet odor, dander and hair because alot of people are allergic to animals and that makes the apartment uninhabitable for them. This is one example of a legal nonrefundable deposit. Application fees are also typically non-refundable as this money goes to check your background and credit history.
2007-01-04 06:08:10 · answer #2 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's non-refundable, then landlord gets to keep it. This is what nonrefundable means.
It is best to read anything you sign especially when it comes to forking over money. Once you sign, you have agreed, whether you read it or not.
2007-01-04 05:51:11 · answer #3 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trer is absolutely correct. In California it is illegal for a landlord to claim that the deposite is unrefundable.
I'm sure it's the same in every state because of the purpose of the money. Check your laws to be sure.
Regards
2007-01-04 06:18:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
whatever you signed on the lease is legal. He could have put a clause on there that said he got to kick you in the balls when ever he felt like it, and if you signed it, he could due so....or he could evicted you for not letting him. Thats why you always read what you sign. The landlord probably keeps that deposit to make repairs, and clean the place after you leave or move out
2007-01-04 05:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you looked in your dictionary for the word nonrefundable? It means that you don't get it back, and it is very legal if that is in your lease.
2007-01-04 05:43:45 · answer #6 · answered by puzzledinphx. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nonrefundable is your answer. Nonrefundable to you, not to the landlord.
2007-01-04 05:48:15 · answer #7 · answered by littlemomma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you signed an agreement stating you waive the right to get it back and not collect the interest on it then the answer is, probably.
Google "renter rights" and the name of your city. There is probably a group or agency or document that will be able mto answer your questions
2007-01-04 05:46:06 · answer #8 · answered by Marc M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO IT ISN'T (just check first to find the exact law in your jurisdiction though)
so, if you are not gonna sue for it back, or ask for it, you may want to either hold back the last month or two of rent when you think you are going to leave or just before you leave, do damage equal to the amount of the 'deposit', that way you cannot be sued for the repairs
may as well get your money worth
2007-01-04 06:09:30 · answer #9 · answered by Tiberius 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In California, it is illegal for a deposit to be non-refundable! Check the laws in your state.
2007-01-04 05:47:56 · answer #10 · answered by trer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋