Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

We moved out of an apartment after 1 year on the 31st. The month prior, the building was sold. The new owners are claiming we damaged the apartment beyond our 1200 security deposit. They are claiming
1. There was an unreported plumbing leak (we didn't know about a leak, and even so plumbing is landlord responsibility per our lease agreement)
2. They claim the air conditioner was damaged b/c we didnt replace a filter (our air conditioner is decades old, labeled least efficient, and has a reusable filter which we cleaned monthly not disposible. In addition the previous owners were in the process of replacing all of the air units b/c of age and condition)
3. They want to charge for repainting the whole apartment. We painted only 3 rooms and had permission to do so from the previous owners.
4. A ceiling light in the closet was not working. I never used that light because I am 5 foot 2 and the string was too high for me to reach, so I know it was never touched.
5. Other random expenses that I know do not cost much to fix like new covers for light switches that got paint on them when painting (10 bucks at home depot and a screw driver)
I received the letter certified mail with a list of these items, but no final cost amount. The last line of the letter just said it is doubtful the deposit will cover all of the expenses.
What can I do. I do not have the money to pay for a new air conditioner when this one was decades old, or a plumbing problem. I feel as though they are improving an already old, run-down apartment on my dime so they may charge more rent. I believe if asked, the previous landlord will back me up, what are my chances of winning?

Asked on 8/04/10, 1:22 pm

David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

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0 attorneys agreed

I wouldn't pay.

Answered on 8/09/10, 1:52 pm

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