Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

I discovered a strong odor caused by tenants ethnic cooking after tenant moved out. Unit kitchen needed cleaned badly and even after initial cleaning the odor remained. Had to have unit deodorized professionally with ozone equipment. Then discovered that there were urine odors in carpet. Cleaning company said they were human urine odors. Tenant vacated 2/3/!4 and I did not realize severity of odor problems until late March and had already settled with tenant on security deposit (withheld some for initial cleaning and painting). Is this commercial cleaning expenses in April recoverable from former tenant?


Asked on 4/28/14, 9:29 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

Yes, you could file a small claims suit. However, if you signed a release with them, maybe not.

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Answered on 4/28/14, 9:43 am
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

Yes, and as Ms. Becude indicates you may have to file a small claims action. The amount in controversy will usually determine if suit is filed. You can certainly send a demand letter either way.

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Answered on 4/28/14, 10:00 am


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