Q: landlord told us to move 4 months into lease. We moved and she won’t give Deposit & last back as agreed. Is this allowe
Ok so back in 8/10/19 I moved into the house the landlord lived literally a crossed the street from me. The rent there was 1600. I paid $1600 deposit, last month, first month and 500 deposit fee. For my two dogs. One day the wife came and told us that she felt unsafe with my dog in the house and I would have to get rid of him or move out. (Mind you, she met my dog prior to us even signing lease and was in love with him) this came out of nowhere! So I told her as long as she agrees to give me my last and deposit back I will move because I am not getting rid of my dog because he didn’t do anything to no one. Which she did agree to return my 3200 via text message. So on 11/30/19 we had the house emptied and keys were returned. We requested she send the deposit withholding list for any repairs and she stated in mail but not I sent her what is called a demanding letter for security deposit and she replied to have an attorney reach out? I just want the withholding letter to plan my next move
A: When landlords don't comply with the requirements of F.S. 83 Part II for return of security deposit or if there are other credits to be returned the former tenant has to resort to small claims court to recoup these funds. Small claims court is set up for persons to represent themselves although you can retain an attorney. Please review your lease to ascertain whether if you prevail you would be entitled to an award of attorney's fees. Check the website of your local clerk of court to ascertain costs for filing, procedure and forms that may be available to assist you if you will be representing yourself.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
