Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I have 2 brothers that were renting my home together, and they each paid 1/2 of the deposit. They are from out of state, and one brother right after moving in, I was told by his brother that he had lost his job, and he was moving back to his home. I have no forwarding address for the brother that moved out right away. I asked the brother that is still living there if he has spoke with his brother at all, and he has not. What do I do with his portion of the deposit money, if everything pans out well? Do I give it to the other brother? I think he's thinking I'm going too, but I don't think I should, and he has not offered to give me a address, however, I have not come straight out and asked for one either. I don't think they are very close, one I think is adopted. (They lived apparently in different states).

This can be a complicated situation. I always make a copy of the check I received for the security deposit and keep it on file. That is whom I make the return check out to. The other procedure I have practiced with non-related or married tenants, is to attach to the lease, a written agreement for whom should receive the security deposit at the end of the lease.

Posted by Denise S, PA on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I have some tenants that would like to rent my house. Can I take money upfront towards their rent?, to guarantee that they are actually going to take it. They would not be moving in until March 1st.

Posted by Mary T, NC on Sunday, February 7, 2010