The local electric company requires a $200 refundable deposit from new customers in lieu of a credit check. Landlord Pete pays this amount for all his new-to-town tenants. Can he deduct the $200 payments on his tax return? Please list a primary source to support this answer as well as a court case that relates to this scenario.

There is no subject option for Tax; therefore, the most appropriate subject available for this question is Accounting.