Security Deposit Return.. or not

[Cory Benhardt]

When it comes to returning a security deposit to an inherited tenant (after they moved out), am I legally allowed to keep any of the deposit if I didn't know what the condition of the unit was when the tenant moved in?

We did inspections before purchasing the property so I was aware of the condition of the unit but after the tenant recently moved out, I noticed a large rip in the carpet that was under the tenant's bed when we did the inspection so I didn't see it at that time. 

Not knowing if that carpet rip was there when he moved in, is this something I can keep part of the deposit for? 

[Matt Ziegler]

Without good documentation, you will have little chance of holding them responsible. Move on and learn the lesson, document/video condition before occupancy, and upon move out…