security deposit refund : ezLandlordForms

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Gary P

started a topic about 15 years ago

If a proposed tenant withdraws his application the day before the lease is to be signed, do I have to return the security deposit which reserved this unit for over a week until they moved in and signed the lease?

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Denise S

said about 15 years ago

It is a common misconception that the security deposit is an advance on rent. Contrary to popular belief, the security deposit cannot be used by the tenant to pay the last month's rent and, absent any other evidence in a lease, the security deposit will not be judged to be advanced rent. The security deposit may be used to setoff any damage done to rental property (except for ordinary wear and tear) and as an additional assurance that the tenant will perform the duties contained in the lease. If you have specified that the deposit given was in fact a security deposit, then you probably cannot keep it. BUT if you called it a deposit to hold the property; then you may be able to use it. In the future, when taking an application, always note that any deposit taken is non-refundable UNLESS the tenant is denied by the landlord.

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Renee R

said over 13 years ago

I would try to get the money to the tenants within the 30 days. As for the delivery method, basically the tenants would have to take you to court over the way you returned them the deposit, which I don't see being a problem as long as you get a delivery confirmation.

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Greg M

said about 13 years ago

By Arizona State Law, how long do I have to give my renter their security deposit back?

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California M

said about 12 years ago

Any one can answer this question for me?