Bridgeport, CT · Member since 2017 · 116 posts · 19 votes
Dear BP Members,
Tenants moved out before lease ended and said that I can keep the Security Deposit even though SD didn't cover all the trash they left and one month short rent. Is there official email I should send to protect myself keeping the SD so that we can officially end the lease early? I do not want they regret later and said that I didn't return the Security Deposit to them. Please advise. Thank you!
Give them an itemized list of the damage which is what the security deposit is for. Check your local laws to see when that is due as there is often a time limit.
Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
The notice is sent to the last known address; if it's your property address, send it there with "Address Correction Requested" noted on the envelope. You will want proof of delivery as well. You can also send an email to show good faith effort in contacting them but be sure to send one by mail too. Samples of the letters are online - but a state specific one is best as there are just as many if not more "how to demand your security deposit back" letters. Just keep all correspondence along with photos of the condition they left the unit in. And, good riddance to them!
Rental Property Investor · Monroe, WA · Member since 2018 · 177 posts · 98 votes
7y
Provide them with a security deposit refund statement. On that statement you can include all the expenses and give them 21 days to make you whole. If they don't make you whole turn them over to collections or go to small claims court. Document everything. In the state of Washington you have 21 days to provide them the security deposit refund. Additionally check your local laws to determine if you can charge them for rent until re-rented and any costs associated with re-renting your unit.
Bridgeport, CT · Member since 2017 · 116 posts · 19 votes
7y
@Tracy Minick Thank you. Tenant also left and old car pack of trash inside the car. It doesn’t look like it is operable. I text messages her to remove it, but she didn’t do it. Should I just have it tow and what i should do with it? Thank you.