Q: If a tenant disputes the landlord's claim within 15 days, how long does the landlord have to respond back/send balance?
Our former landlord sent notice of their intent to keep our security deposit within 30 days. I wrote a letter back within the 15 day window, disputing the claim, and asked for my deposit back within 30 days of my letter being sent. The landlord has failed to return my deposit and tried to claim they didn't receive my letter. However my tracking receipt shows the letter was delivered and picked up in-person within my 15 day window.
A: When mailing time sensitive legal correspondence it is always better practice to mail it certified mail return receipt. While standard mail tracking information does provide some evidence of compliance with the law, courts tend to be more persuaded by delivery via certified mail. Moreover your only option here is to file a small claims action against your landlord for failure to return the full deposit. Hope this helps.
A:
The pertinent statute is FS 83.59. (It is too lengthy to attach here but will come up with a google search).
The statute gives the time lines of 30 days for the landlord to make the claim and 15 days for you to object. The statute does not give direct guidance beyond that. Your option would be to file a small claims action to seek a hearing on the security deposit issue.
Good luck,
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