Do I need to return deposit?

[JIMMYIRELAND]

Hi
I'm a rent a room landlord, the room is in my principal primary residence. I rented a room to a foreign student unseen. She wants to move out after staying 1 month. I rented to her with a 3 month minimum stay. i clearly stated in an email it was min 3 months and she would loose the deposit if she stayed less than this. I will never again rent to a person unseen, but for now the room is empty at a quiet time of the year and I'm a little peeved she only gave me 6 days notice. So I want to keep the deposit. Am I within my rights? Thanks.

 

[Plady80]

J

Hi
I'm a rent a room landlord, the room is in my principal primary residence. I rented a room to a foreign student unseen. She wants to move out after staying 1 month. I rented to her with a 3 month minimum stay. i clearly stated in an email it was min 3 months and she would loose the deposit if she stayed less than this. I will never again rent to a person unseen, but for now the room is empty at a quiet time of the year and I'm a little peeved she only gave me 6 days notice. So I want to keep the deposit. Am I within my rights? Thanks.

Jimmy, I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I noticed you got no replies I think we're well within our rights to keep deposit in these circumstances but interested to find out what you did....

 

[facetious]

The same as I replied to Plady80. You are not governed by the Residential Tenancies Acts and therefore it is entirely up to you if you wish to retain the deposit. In a licensee's case, the deposit may apply to any form of non compliance of any rules or agreements you make with the licensee whether breach of house rules, security, damage and rent etc.