California Landlord - Existing Tenant Refuses To Pay Deposit Of New Lease Agreement That Starts July 1 2026 But Agrees To Pay New Rent Increase
CONTEXT: Purchased a 3 unit property 5 years ago. Only property the LLC owns. Upon purchase, all 3 units were already occupied by longstanding tenants. I did not initially change much. I had raised rents a couple of times but never collected deposits initially and understood that the prior owner had returned their deposit to them. My mistake.
Now that I have a bit more experience with the property and understanding of lease agreements etc...I have decided at the end of the current lease agreement (June 30) to offer a new lease with an increase rent and deposit.
SITUATION: The tenant is claiming that a deposit was paid to prior landlord. I have asked for documentation and validation of the amount but she is unable to recall or provide.
In addition, she has agreed to the new monthly rent payment but refuses to pay the new deposit. I have communicated that we will not accept this.
REQUEST: Any advise from other landlords in California who have experienced similar situations? Or any suggestions on where to look to better inform myself on how to manage this situation? Thank you in advance.