Keep deposit if tenant breaks lease?
My tenants got divorced and couldn't afford to pay the full rent. Over the phone I said I would accept a smaller amount, knowing I could deduct it from their deposit. This is legal correct?
Also, I just found out they have pets and the property has a strict no pet policy. The lease does not state they will be fined if they bring a pet on without permission nor did it list any amount for a pet deposit, since no pets are allowed. So the agreement does not state how much they would have pet for a deposit if they were allowed or if they would be fined for having one without permission.
Since they broke the lease in two aspects, can I legally keep the entire deposit? Or just the difference that I was shorted in rent and the cost to have the carpets and tiles professionally cleaned due to the pet mess.
Thanks for your advice!