When we moved into our current residenty, we paid the landlord a $500 pet deposit. Since we moved in, we have had two pets (one at a time). Between the death of the first pet and the acquisition of the second, we did not request a refund (knowing that we would get another pet). We recently had to have our second pet euthanized. We have made it clear that have no intention to get another pet.

The landlord has inspected our apartment and found no damage, least of all any caused by our pet, but he says he is not obligated to return the pet deposit until we move. He has returned $150 of the $500 "because we are good tenants."

How soon can we get the remaining $350? Must he pay interest? Please site the applicable California law.

What does your lease say?

Hello wh:

Yes, you made it clear to him... However, unless he's watching you could certainly bring another pet home.

Look, I think he's being unreasonable by giving you just $150 of your deposit and I think you're being unreasonable asking for it all BEFORE you move out.

Landlord tenant law does not cover any and every possible incident that could happen between the parties. Therefore, I really don't know who would win if you went to small claims court over it. Consequently, since that is your only avenue of appeal, I wouldn't take it unless I knew that I was going to win.

excon