Can a pet deposit be used for cleaning the house or would they have to be some sort of damage urine stains, scratched wood, etc.?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can a pet deposit be used for cleaning the house or would they have to be some sort of damage urine stains, scratched wood, etc.?

My tenant paid a pet deposit that is separate from his security deposit and I am curious if I can use that toward cleaning the house after they move out. The dog is large and sheds a lot so my thinking is that cleaning the carpets would be above and beyond normal wear and tear.

Asked on July 26, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Maryland

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

I think that you may be correct but I would double check with an landlord tenant attorney as to the law regarding pet deposits in Maryland. First, your lease will govern,  Then the law steps in if there is something amis - like saying it is non refudnable when it is not - and if you can use it to clean or use the security instead.  Regardless please be modnful of the rules regarding the return of security as your state has strict penalties for non compliance.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption