Hi
I have been here before getting lots of help from you guys. I need help again. The tenant that broke the lease on me 3 days after signing the lease has now had a attorney send me a letter demanding that I send them 3 months of rent to the tenant saying I was holding her deposit illegally. I am holding it in a non-interest bearing account that is not a personal account. It's a business account.
I told the tenant that I would hold them liable for all months the unit was not rented and was holding the deposit. I have rented it and lost 2 weeks plus the cost of advertising. Can she actually get damages when I am the one who lost 2 weeks plus the cost of the advertising? I am a bit taken back or is this just them barking @ me and trying to get me not to sue them. Thanks
Suzanne

Hello sg:

It's the lawyers job to bark. But, you've got the bite.

excon

You are only responsible for returning the deposit for that period that the unit was not rented. If she gave you 3 months deposit and the unit was empty for only 2 weeks then you have to send her 2.5 months worth.

Thanks what about the cost of advertising after she broke the lease? She only gave me one month deposit

You should be able to retain the advertising cost as long as it's not an unreasonable amount.