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Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD! (Arizona Resource Realty)

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Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Tamra Lee Ulmer I believe the owner has a couple of choices. Do a property inspection now to determine if there is any damage due to the cat and return the deposit. Or two, there is no guarantee they won't get another pet so hold the deposit until they move out of the property. No real reason not to return the deposit short of any damage by the cat. As you stated, it is up to the owner.

Jul 24, 2015 06:39 AM
Ambassador
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

As a previous Property Manager, I would hold all deposit monies until they move out.  At that time, a proper inspection can be done to determine any damages (or lack thereof), and return whatever portion of the deposit monies is appropriate.  

Jul 24, 2015 06:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,163
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I thought a deposit was to offset damages?...Unless the cat (or owners) left a mess behind, the money must be accounted for

Jul 24, 2015 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I would return the deposit after I took my black light and checked for deposits...

Jul 24, 2015 02:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I wouldn't give it back until they moved out, if there was no damage by their now deceased cat!!!!

Jul 24, 2015 08:18 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

What does the agreement state?

By the way, I believe the butler did it.

 

Jul 25, 2015 01:26 AM
Rainmaker
750,057
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

As a landord myself, NO. If I give any back, it will be after move out. You will at least need to "flea bomb" and clean carpets before renting out again,. Many are allergic to pet hair.

Jul 24, 2015 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

We make our pet deposits non-refundable from the start so that would not be a question or issue. Sorry for the cat though.

Jul 24, 2015 10:10 PM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I would suggest waiting until the renewal or end of the lease and after inspection is made.

 

Jul 24, 2015 06:57 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Well, at the moment of that agreement, the tenant had a cat. They will receive that pet deposit when they move out and the property is not damaged.

Jul 24, 2015 05:06 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I guess the owner could have a trusted person inspect the house and make sure there weren't any damages and refund based upon that. I don't work with property management, but my office does manage over 80 properties, so I do hear things. 

Jul 24, 2015 01:30 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

a complete inspection is difficult unless the apt or home is EMPTY. they should wait until they vacate. sorry   ie..what if there is animal issues under a bed (quite common)

Jul 24, 2015 12:59 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good Friday evenig Tamra. Sadly, life happens. It is solely up to the landlord.

Jul 24, 2015 10:42 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I am an animal lover, but I still make all pet deposits non-refundable.  Then there is no debate.

Eve

Jul 24, 2015 07:28 AM