I just talked to someone with the most unreasonable security deposit scale ever

The house is $850/month. He wants an $850 non-refundable security deposit as well as an $850 additional security deposit (refundable) per pet.

Is that insane or what?

I found a house earlier today that is 2 bed, 2 bath, loft. About 1800 square feet for $800/month with only a $300 refundable security deposit and pet deposit that sounds like a much better deal at this point.

The only thing is the house was an eco-concept house in the 1980's and is somewhat underground. It has an above-ground 2 car garage though and I think the place might be super duper sweet to live in. I figure we can be loud as hell and the noise won't carry underground and such.

Oh yea, and this is off-topic if anyone needed the hint.

sounds illegal to me.

that is crazy..

Jake you are about to 5000 posts !

I doubt it is illegal. He obviously does not want pets unless you are willing to pay.

As a new owner of rental homes I do not blame him one bit. Pets can do plenty of damage

I don't mind the pet thing but most of the places in that price range have a $1000 refundable deposit or such with a pet. $850 that is not refundable at all just for moving into the place isn't going to get any renters interested.

Not sure about ID, but non-refundable pet deposits are ok in California. I am sure if you call a local tenant's rights agency they could tell you.

fhmesq44 said:

Not sure about ID, but non-refundable pet deposits are ok in California. I am sure if you call a local tenant's rights agency they could tell you.

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To be honest, the house wasn't nice enough to consider paying a flat $850 refundable deposit anyway. Like I said, I founder a bigger one up in the hills in a really nice area for only a $300 deposit and cheaper rent. Plus I already convinced my roommate to live in the loft so we can fit 3 people in and only pay $275 a month or so. It's perfect.

fhmesq44 said:

Not sure about ID, but non-refundable pet deposits are ok in California. I am sure if you call a local tenant's rights agency they could tell you.

Click to expand...

sounds like the $850 is non-refundable even w/o a pet ?

Doug said:

sounds like the $850 is non-refundable even w/o a pet ?

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Yep.

How is that justified ?

That was unclear to me. I would imagine that isn't legal and based on this, it appears so:

6-321. SECURITY DEPOSITS.

Amounts deposited by a tenant with a landlord for any purpose other than the payment of rent shall be deemed security deposits. Upon termination of a lease or rental agreement and surrender of the premises by the tenant all amounts held by the landlord as a security deposit shall be refunded to the tenant, except amounts necessary to cover the contingencies specified in the deposit arrangement.

The landlord shall not retain any part of a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear. "Normal wear and tear" means that deterioration which occurs based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended and without negligence, carelessness, accident, or misuse or abuse of the premises or contents by the tenant or members of his household, or their invitees or guests. Refunds shall be made within twenty-one (21) days if no time is fixed by agreement, and in any event, within thirty (30) days after surrender of the premises by the tenant. Any refunds in an amount less than the full amount deposited by the tenant shall be accompanied by a signed statement itemizing the amounts lawfully retained by the landlord, the purpose for the amounts retained, and a detailed list of expenditures made from the deposit. If security deposits have been made as to a particular rental or lease property, and the property changes ownership during a tenancy, the new owner shall be liable for refund of the deposits.

I would call the guy, tell him you aren't interested and that he is a f*ing douchebag.