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View Full Version : Texas Laws conerning return of Pet Deposit


cuintexas
Mar 13, 2009, 12:01 AM
Does the use of the term "security deposit" also apply to pet deposits? I have looked through the Texas Tenant references but cannot find anywhere that specifies that the two terms are interchangeable. I

I paid a pet deposit, 1/2 of which was non-refundable. It has been almost a year and I have not received a refund. When I left the complex, I left a forwarding address and had the employee sign for the letter which had the forwarding address. I also called the complex approximately 30 days later and was told they were behind in paperwork but were working on it; I also verified that they did have the correct address at that time.

JudyKayTee
Mar 13, 2009, 05:32 AM
I don't find anything indicating that "security deposit" and "pet deposit" are the same. The pet deposit appears to be for damage caused by the pet ONLY. If you haven't received the 50% refund and it's been almost a year I'd send a registered letter that you intend to sue in Small Claims Court and then I would do just that.

cuintexas
Mar 14, 2009, 06:48 AM
I don't find anything indicating that "security deposit" and "pet deposit" are the same. The pet deposit appears to be for damage caused by the pet ONLY. If you haven't received the 50% refund and it's been almost a year I'd send a registered letter that you intend to sue in Small Claims Court and then I would do just that.

JKT, I appreciate the information. I was actually able to find in the Landload/Tenant Supplement in paragraph 2-1 Definitions and Overview that the term security deposit does include general security deposits and pet deposits. I also have attempted to get the complex to met with a county arbitrator and after setting and canceling several appointments, the complex finally stated they did not intend on meeting with me. So, small claims it is!

JudyKayTee
Mar 14, 2009, 07:09 AM
JKT, I appreciate the information. I was actually able to find in the Landload/Tenant Supplement in paragraph 2-1 Definitions and Overview that the term security deposit does include general security deposits and pet deposits. I also have attempted to get the complex to met with a county arbitrator and after setting and canceling several appointments, the complex finally stated they did not intend on meeting with me. So, small claims it is!!



The term may cover all deposits but it appears that the intent is different.

At any rate - let us know how you make out in Court. Very often the mere threat of Court makes the money magically appear!

Good luck.