Can I deduct from the security deposit?

[rosecali]

We had a tenant who just moved out. We did a walk through with her to inspect the house and property. One thing we noticed was there there was quite a bit of dog droppings which we pointed out to her and she cleaned up as we pointed it out. We also mentioned that there was a lot of leaves which should have been cleaned up. She disagreed that she needed to clean these leaves us so she didn't. Since we could not see any more dog droppings, she wrote on the post-inspection sheet that the droppings were cleaned up.

Several hours later when we went to the house to clean up the leaves she left, we noticed a large amount of dog droppings that she did not pick up. Does California law allow me to deduct the amount it will cost for someone to clean this up from her security deposit?

 

[jacksgal]

You deduct all cost to return place to rent worthy status. You then document this and provide itemized lists of where deposit monies were used. If need be supply photos

 

[rosecali]

Thanks for the speedy reply. Does this apply despite the fact that we marked on the post-inspection sheet that the dog droppings were cleaned? And that we hadn't mentioned it during the post-inspection (because it was hidden under the leaves)?

 

[jacksgal]

Thats why I suggested photos on your part