Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Damage to rental property

We own a condominium which we rented out. The renter left the premises without notification and left the place in shambles, e.g., holes in the walls, damages to carpet stove, etc, etc. Can we report this to the authorities? Do we have legal remedies? We have heard that the renter may have left town and may have moved to another city in Florida. Help.


Asked on 7/26/00, 11:43 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Randall Reder Randall O. Reder, P.A.

Re: Damage to rental property

You can sue for the amount of damages. However,

you would have to get personal service first. And

if you do get a judgment, there could be big problems

in collecting it. I suggest you make an appointment

and consult an attorney.

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Answered on 9/14/00, 11:43 am
Stephen Verbit Stephen R. Verbit, P.A.

Re: Damage to rental property

You definitely have civil legal remedies, based on the facts as you have described them. Do you have a security deposit? If so, there is a specific procedure you have to follow to make a claim against it. In addition, you may be entitled to recover unpaid rent and monetary compensation for the damage the tenant did to your condo. I would recommend that you take pictures and fully document all the damage and keep records on all the repair costs. As far as calling the police, I do not think you will get anywhere with that, and it is highly unlikely you will receive any monetary compensation that way.

Please contanct me if I can be of any further assistance.

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Answered on 9/12/00, 5:02 pm


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