Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Landlord won't give my deposit back unless I meet him in a public place and sign some papers. I was never late paying the rent and the house was clean with no major repairs. He said if my husband and I don't meet him he's going to get mean and make us pay for repairs in the house in the amount of $10,000. He called us many times on the cell phone yesterday and refused to mail the balance of $3000 dollars of the deposit he requested when we rented the house. The rental lease expired in 06/24/2014 and we were living at his rental month to month to month basis. We were evicted because he did not wanted to do repairs in the house and wanted to charged us for wear and tear of the house. We rented the house in 06/24/2013 and were paying $1500 a month instead of $1800 because the house needed repairs done. We were never late in our monthly rent. It was three people living at the house. My husband 67, my mom 89 yrs old and myself 64 yrs old. we are retired individuals . What is your advise in this situation?


Asked on 6/29/15, 7:30 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

Your lease agreement controls. The landlord has thirty days to

Impose a lien in the security deposit. If not done over statute the right is waived. You can still be responsible for damages if any but the deposit cannot just be taken. Seek legal advice with all

Your paperwork. Most important facts are missing from summary like all the dates

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Answered on 6/29/15, 7:37 am
Alan Smith Tallahassee Legal Counsel

You should consult with a local attorney who does landlord tenant work. Get your lease, any correspondence with the landlord, and anything else related to your lease at that property for the consultation.

He has 30 days to send you a bill for damages claimed against the deposit, along with whatever portion of the deposit he thinks you are entitled to. He has to send it certified mail to your last known address. If you have not provided an address, he can't send the bill or the money.

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Answered on 6/30/15, 10:24 am


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