Redditor Loses It As Landlord Withholds Pet Security Deposit, Despite Paying $6000 In Pet Rent For No Pet-Related Damages

Having pets is a big responsibility especially when you live in a rental house because you have to be careful that nothing major is damaged for which you would have to pay the penalties. Sometimes situations related to these things can get complex and lead to conflicts between the renter and landlords.

A similar incident happened with OP who alongside her husband, daughter, two large dogs, and a cat, resided in a cosy rental home. Being in a pet-friendly place came at a price – a monthly pet rent of $75 for each dog and an additional $50 for their beloved cat. This expense, totalling $6,000 over the years, was gladly paid for the joy of having their furry companions with them.

Additionally, they had paid a pet security deposit, a reasonable measure to cover any potential pet-related damages. As they prepared to move, they received a shocking letter from the landlord. The landlord announced that a significant portion of their security deposit would be withheld for various things. Perplexed by these charges, the OP questioned the fairness of the deductions. Now, the family seeks clarity and understanding of their rights in this unexpected turn of events.

Scroll down below to read their story.

Source: Reddit

1. Even after paying a hefty amount for pet rent, OP complains her landlord is still deducting a large portion of her deposit for pet damages.

2. OP lives with her family and their pets; two dogs and a cat in a rental home and pays almost $200 monthly as pet rent.

3. While moving out, they were handed a vague list of things for which a huge chunk of their deposit was deducted while OP thought that normal wear and tear done due to their pets should have been covered by the pet rent.

4. OP is confused at the situation as she can’t comprehend the things for which the deduction was done.

5. The OP believes that nothing major damage was done to the property by her family or her pets and it was just minor normal wear and tear.

Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. 

6. Pet rent is distinct from covering pet-related damages; it’s a recurring fee paid each month. The community tells OP that the damages done come from the deposit.

7. Repairs for normal wear and tear can not be deducted from the security deposit according to the rules.

8. Does pet rent not cover cleaning? A common question among other Redditors too.

9. Aside from pet rent, some landlords collect pet deposits for pet-related damages.

10. A charge for the fact that an animal has hair and skin cells.

11. Cleaning vents between tenants should be a must thing.

12. The landlord provided the itemized list within a certain time according to the law.

13. Pet owners get acclimatized to the pet stench so they don’t feel it overwhelming like other people.

14. OP already paid a hefty amount in pet rent.

15. The purpose of pet rent is to enable you to have your dogs and cats residing on the premises.

16. The landlord is trying to hide the charging of normal wear and tear behind the vague itemized list of charges.

17. Rent is the money you don’t get back, a deposit may or may not be returned, depending on the circumstances.

18. OP is confused because she believes that pet rent covers pet damages which is not the case.

19. Having pets is a choice, and the landlord is refurbishing the apartment to ensure it’s in pristine condition for future tenants.

20. The house has to be thoroughly cleaned because the next tenant might have an allergy which can result in drastic consequences if the house is not cleaned properly.

The Reddit community offers supportive advice to OP, suggesting that she should request a detailed breakdown of damages from the landlord and accompany it with photographic or video evidence. They stress that pet rent is designed to account for normal wear and tear, implying that the security deposit should be returned in full, as the pets caused no damage.

It’s a united plea for fairness, urging OP not to accept being unfairly deprived of what rightfully belongs to her. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section.

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