My ex-tenant is threatening to sue me after I sent her an itemized billing of what I used their security deposit for to fix all of the damage their teenage son caused to the home including putting holes in a wall and door (which had to be totally replaced), shooting out three windows and from allowing their pets to urinate and defecate in the house. She also brought 2 more animals into the home without notifying me in writing and without my knowledge so I did not return the pet deposit for that violation. She acknowledges all of this in an email. I returned $185 back to her out of the $1200 sec deposit. Her lease covers all of these items in the terms and conditions. Was I wrong to forfeit her pet deposit for this violation when it clearly states that her deposit "may" be returned if the lease wasn't violated? Thanks from Oregon!

They should consider themselves lucky... The Townhouse owners next door to me where I once lived that rented to a woman with a pet that urinated in the house enough and let to dry not only had to replace all carpeting and padding... but also the plywood sub flooring as dog urine soaked into it and saturated it in some many places... THAT was so way far over and above what the deposit was it would make your jaw hit the floor... yes... I saw all that for myself so it really did happen.

Document everything and let them try and sue you. If the damages exceeded the deposit... consider filing a counter claim.

Let her threaten. If you gave her an itemized bill and you can document the need for the repairs, she is just blowing smoke. Probably trying to intimidate you to give back more.

I third the opinions above.