Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Apartment disagreement

Hello,

I was in the military (USAF), renting an apartment off base. When 911 hit, my career was seriously affected. I was in the process of an early seperation, and I was put on hold 2 days before I was supposed to get orders, it was touch and go, until I could get approval from a 4 star general. Needless to say my situation compared to the state of the nation did not compare, so I kept getting pushed to the side. I explained to the apartment manager what was going on, she said ok, put it in writing. So I did, she said whenever I get my orders to give them to her. Anyways, because I didn't give 30 days notice, they screwed me. Everything changed after 911, and everyone all over were making exceptions. Anyway, I was constantly harrassed by these people. They said I left the apartment dirty and charged me like $504.00. They are lying because they didn't like me, I have the money to pay, but it's the principle. I have now been transferred to New Jersey and I want to file a small claims suit against the apartment owner, how can I do that since this happened in Florida?


Asked on 8/16/02, 9:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Apartment disagreement

You would have to file this in FL, not NJ. In the future, when you leave a place and when you move in, photograph the condition. Use a data back camers or hold up a newpaper, getting close enough to read the date, or keep the front page, and stick it into a folder until you get your secdurity deposit back. I've even had people videotape the move out, and the condition of problems that might occur (leaky roof, broken windows unfixed for too long, etc.) I also recommend "memorializing" all important phone calls with a letter. Say, "This letter is to document or memorialize our conversation / agreement today, where you agreed to X and I agreed to Y".

This is always good advice.

You may also go online or call information and find agencies in FL that will look into landlord-tenant problems. They are usually very tough on landlords in NJ, but i don't know about FL.

If that doesn't give you any satisfaction, write to the local papers in FL. People are feeling very patriotic these days. It may help to make them look like vampires taking advantage of a serviceman!

Good luck.

Kevin J. Begley

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Answered on 8/16/02, 10:05 pm


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