[exrenter]

I am trying to find some information on pet deposits in Virginia. I rented a house for about 6 months and they just took my entire deposit to replace the carpet in the house. First off, there was nothing wrong with it. When we did the final inspection they even said how nice the carpet looked and how clean the house and carpet was. They even commented on how clean the house smelled. And wanted the names of the companies I used.

Now, I get a letter stating that they took my deposit because of pet stains. (hmm, they were never there before) My dog is house trained and didn't even go in the house.

So, can they legally take my full deposit for something related to pets? Isn't that what the pet deposit is for?

Can they really charge me to replace a whole house of carpet when the carpet wasn't even new?

That house reaked of smoke when I moved in. It was disgusting. When I left it was cleaner than it was when I moved in. Please help!

[ScottGem]

Did you get anything signed off during the walk through? Do you have pictures to show how the house looked?

What is going to happen now, is you will have to sue them for the deposit. They will come to court with a representative of their carpet company or a an affadavits from them that will testify to the need to replace the carpet. If you can prove it was unnecessary you will win, but you will have to prove it.