Asking tenants to rebuild security deposits

[Jeremy Bonfini]

I am closing on my first duplex on Monday and it comes with two inherited tenants.  The previous landlord required security deposits, but his lease allowed him to deduct late rent, late fees and unpaid utilities from the security deposit.  One tenant depleted her deposit. Can I a send her a letter ask her to rebuild her deposit in payments? 

[Patrick M.]

Jeremy- I had this happen. This is the problem with an absentee who know he is on the outs. I gave 1 month notice of the need for security deposit. 1 tenant got it right to me and has transitioned well. 2 did not and it was one of the factors needed (under NJ law) to give them notice to quit. You don't want these tenants if they are dipping into deposits. (The one which adjusted well was a long term tenant who moved from his other building and started a family along the way.)

Congratulations and good luck!