Your outgoing renters damaged a cupboard door. You said you would keep $150 from their security deposit to cover the repair costs. They said you can’t do that. They are right!
Landlords need to understand that security deposits are just that – deposits of the renters’ money with the landlord. If you had a $350 security deposit and you applied $150 to damage done during the tenancy, this means you only have $200 left at the end of the tenancy to apply to lost rent, damages to the suite, liquidated damages, unpaid utilities - you name it!
At the end of a tenancy the landlord must either return the deposit in full, get the renters’ agreement in writing to keep some or all of it, or file for dispute resolution to claim against the deposit for money owed. (Never apply to keep the deposit before the tenancy is over!)
-- LandlordMentor & AdviserToTheAdvisers
Dear Landlords:
ReplyDeletePlease help! I have tenants that broke glass top of stove & refuse to pay for damage because they claim its "wear & tear". These tops do not crack unless the wrong type of pots are used, & yes they were informed at the beginning of tenancy. Its going to cost over $500.00 to fix, we are seeking a new stove & willing to even pay half. The tenants won't agree so we are seeking a one month notice on the grounds of repairs. We will not replace the stove.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteIf the stove stops working, you are going to need to fix it for them or find another one for them to use - regardless of whether you end the tenancy or not. You can pursue them for the cost of the repair later.
If you want to try to end the tenancy, you need to have issued a written warning stating that they must fix the stove and give them a reasonable period of time in which to do so. If they don't, you could choose to either issue the Notice to End Tenancy or have the stove fixed and pursue them for reimbursement.