Q: Please see below for further info
We had rent due for the month of July and we paid it promptly on July 1. We have another two weeks due August 1 but the online payment system does not allow us to pay until that rent is due . We have a deposit on the apartment and took date stamped photos when we left. We were not given a walk through and the apartment has been renovated and the locks are changed. Does this void the last two weeks rent or at least entitle us to our deposit since we have not been notified that there were any issues with the apartment and they renovated it? The complex has been upgrading each apartment when the tensnts leave in order to charge the new tenants higher rates.
A: It appears that the complex is following the lease terms to the limit. This is legal and proper. So it appears that they can wait until the lease expires to do the close out of the security deposit. Most likely that is what the lease calls for them to do. You may want to consult with Land lord tenant attorney in the Largo area to go over the specifics of your lease contract. I really can't say any more without reviewing the lease contract.
A: Your question is not completely clear what you mean by you have 2 weeks due in August. Typically rental installments are due on a monthly basis. You have a couple of issues here....first...it appears you may have surrendered the property prior to your expiration of your lease. It is not clear if you formally handed over the keys, etc. or if you simply vacated and they figured out your unit was vacated and they went to work. If you can demonstrate that you paid rent and were not provided access to your property because they changed the locks, you could be entitled to a discount or refund for that. Additionally, a landlord is required to deliver notice to a tenant if they intend to withhold any amount from their deposit. If that notice has not been delivered to you, you may be entitled to receive your entire deposit back, regardless. I would recommend you consult with an attorney to discuss your exact details and your options. Best of Luck! Jennifer
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