Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Landlord trying to keep security deposits.

Been in hospital and inpatient care for three months. Wife was given 500.00 reduction in August rent. Lease expires on Dec. 31st.

Rent is 2000.00. Landlord was to paint dwelling and recarpet entire dwelling as well. Neither done. Security deposits amount to 4300.00. He now claims that by giving 500.00 reduction we forfeit the 4300.00. This seems ludicrous.

Want to use 4300.00 for this and next month's rent and then have only December to worry about, what can be done?

Landlord is a very greedy and selfish person. We have improved the dwelling while awaiting the promised ''face lift''. It was to be done before we moved in and now will obviously never be done.


Asked on 10/06/01, 12:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: Landlord trying to keep security deposits.

What your landlord is doing is contrary to Florida law. The landlord's agreement to reduce the rental payment for August does not in any way entitle the landlord to keep the security deposit.

The landlord may have a separate, lawful basis for making a claim on the security deposit, but if so, the landlord must comply with the applicable Florida Statutes relative to residential tenancies.Moreover,it sppears the landlord breached the lease by failing to make the promised repairs or "face list" on timely basis.

You are right. The landlord's position is ludicrous. If you have any other questions or require the services of an attorney, feel free to call me office at 305-445-0937.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving,

Peter A. Gonzalez

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Answered on 11/21/01, 2:33 pm


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