Hi

I am getting ready to move from my apartment and want to know if I can get a full refund on my pet deposit of $300.00. The cat I owned has not lived with me for the past 4 years and I've never asked for it back. In the agreement it doesn't say that it is non-refundable and the cat hasn't damaged anything. What are my rights in getting this back?

Thank you,

Tina Eckhart

San Dimas, California (LA County)

My pet deposit did not say that it was non-refundable. It didn't say anything about a fee. It was like a damage deposit and could be used if the animal were to destroy anything inside the apartment. If everything is in good condition, can I get my deposit back?

It was like a damage deposit

Does it call it a damage deposit in the lease? If not what does it call it? I think it probably all comes down to wording. It should state in the lease the terms for refunding deposits.

Have you looking for the link to your state landlord/tenant laws in the first post in this forum?

Karla in TX

Hello teck:

The landlord can't make money off deposits. They're there to protect his property, not cash flow. Therefore, he cannot keep your deposit without damages and repairs having been made.

excon

Thanks for responding. My contract clearly states that it is a pet deposit, not a one time fee and thought I'd ask since I think they may not want to give it back. I do have my receipt as well.

As a landlord how much deposit can I charge for two pets, and what if I discover that the
Tenant has a third pet, can I charge additional for the 3rd pet.