Landlord Question and Answer Forum

Forum / General Property Management / Using Pet Deposit for Unpaid Rent
I had some tenants who's check bounced during the last month of their lease, can I keep a pet deposit to help pay the rent?
Burhan Q, TN on Monday, March 16, 2009
RE: Using Pet Deposit for Unpaid Rent
In Tenn, the definition of a security deposit is as follows: Security deposit" means an escrow payment made to the landlord under the rental agreement for the purpose of securing the landlord against financial loss due to damage to the premises occasioned by the tenant's occupancy other than ordinary wear and tear; and "Security deposit" does not include advance rentals. I would think that you can do this and I cannot imagine IF your tenant even disputes this - that a judge would even rule for them.
Posted by Donna , NC on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Documents related to this forum

Rent Receipt

Property Management Agreement (for Landlords)

Lease Renewal Agreement

Direct Deposit Billing Authorization

Highest Rated Discussions
Author: Jacob W, WI
Updated: 06/24/2019
Rating: Star0Star1Star2Star3Star4
Author: Harold P, MO
Updated: 12/15/2021
Rating: Star0Star1Star2Star3Star4
Author: Jared B, UT
Updated: 11/09/2015
Rating: Star0Star1Star2Star3Star4
Author: Troy D, WA
Updated: 12/09/2014
Rating: Star0Star1Star2Star3Star4
Author: Scott H, IA
Updated: 02/11/2012
Rating: Star0Star1Star2Star3Star4

The forum is completely free to anyone! If you wish to post a message, you must log in. If you are not registered already, Join today to create a free account!
Any comments and opinions that are expressed by the users of this forum are solely those of the authors, and have not been reviewed or approved by ezLandlordForms.

Satisfaction
Guaranteed

Money Back Guaranteed
Trusted by Over
300,000 Property
Managers, Realtors,
Attorneys, and Landlords
since 2006!
More Info

Buzz About ezLandlordForms

Craigslist Logo  says:
"one stop shop for leases and forms"
— Christina Murphy, Founding Board Member

FEATURED ON

fox-business-logo CBS-Radio-logo MSNBC-logo CNN-Money-logo Wall-Street-Journal-logo
Copyright © 2006-2026, ezLandlord, Inc. All Rights Reserved. View our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Affiliate Program