Window Blinds Pet Damage

[Jemini Leckie]

I manage a townhome that’s 2 years old. The tenants have been in the unit for a year and I do semi annual inspection. On my recent inspection I noticed pet damage to the blinds in the unit. I currently am negative cash flow but the property has appreciated substantially. I charged a $250 non-refundable pet fee and also charge pet rent per pet which was $25 per dog. My question is am I allowed under Utah law to use the deposit to restore the blinds to pre rented state or am I supposed to only use the pet fee and or pet rent to cover the cost of the pet related damage?

Also I didn’t keep the pet rent nor the pet fee in separate accounts from the rent but I keep the deposits in their own account. I used the pet fee and let rent to cover mortgage and insurance expenses as it’s negative cash flow. Am I supposed to keep the pet fee’s in a separate account to cover pet related damage?

[Theresa Harris]

I'd replace them AFTER they move out and either charge it to the damage deposit. If the pet fee is non-refundable that is yours to keep for regular wear and tear from the pet.  Them damaging blinds is not normal wear and tear.