Security deposits/pet deposits - Texas tenant law
Hi,
This involves a lease that went month to month and verbal agreements. During tenants stay, they broke several personal items (sculptures, fountain) on the property and brought in a second dog. In the written lease, there is nothing abuot pets.
I gave them erbal permission to have one dog, but they adopted a second one without my prior knowledge. They have recently moved out.
I am now seeking to take out money of their security deposit for this "new" dog and the items they have broken. They have gotten a lawyer and this lawyer is saying that "verbal agreements are not binding unless they are reduced to writing".
Is this true? Do I have a chance if this goes to court? I took out $770 out of $1400 and they are getting a lawyer for the rest? What should I do? Fight it? Ask for a mediator? Please help! Thanks...
-s