Refundable vs Nonrefundable pet deposit

[concerned1977]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA

As a landlord can I charge both a refundable and a nonrefundable pet deposit? My thinking behind this is that at the end of the lease I want to fumigate for any potential fleas/ticks/etc. even if I don't see any just to be on the safe side before another tenant moves in (just because you don't initially see them doesn't mean there aren't eggs waiting to hatch and I woudln't want to have any problems later on trying to get reimbursed - and this way I'd know for sure that there isn't anything lingering in the house before a new tenant moves in). I would like to charge a non-refundable pet deposit to cover the costs of fumigating ("fogging" the house) and a refundable pet deposit that would cover any actual damages to the home caused by the pet. Is this allowed in Virginia?

 

[atomizer]

First you have to determine if you fall under the VRLTA (Virginia residential landlord tenant act)
If not, then sure. If you do fall under VRLTA, then read it and determine on your own.

Be careful with the word fee and deposit. They don't mean the same thing.