Welcome to the second installment of our three part series on deposits.
You already talked about security deposits; what’s the difference between security and pet damage deposits?
Security deposits can be requested for any residential tenancy in BC, where pet damage deposits can only be requested when a pet (or pets) are present in the rental unit. The maximum amount a pet damage deposit can be is also half a months rent – despite the number of pets in the unit.
When do I take a pet damage deposit?
A pet damage deposit is generally paid at one of two times in a tenancy; the first being at the beginning of the tenancy when the tenant applies with a pet, and the second being when the tenant gets a pet for the first time during a tenancy. If your tenant is getting a pet part way through a tenancy, remember that if they moved in prior to January 1st, 2004 and you did not complete a move-in condition inspection report, you must complete one now. Just as with the security deposit, the tenant has 30 days to pay this from the date it is requested.
What can I deduct from the pet damage deposit?
That one’s easy; pet damage! This deposit is meant to cover only damage caused by a pet. At times, this can be a tricky thing to determine, as some damage could be considered ambiguous. When you complete the move-out inspection, be sure to mark down what damage you can be sure was made by a pet. Then, when filling out the Security/Pet damage deposit statement, be sure to use the correct line for pet damage.
Remember again that every situation is different and the ROMS BC staff are here to help you work through any situation.
Be sure to come back next week for the final chapter of the series; deducting from and returning deposits.
-- Hunter Boucher and Carly Ludwar
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