Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Tenant Rights

My family and I rented a house for $1000 a month. We gave landlord #1 first and last months rent and a $1000 deposit to move in. Two months after we moved in landlord #1 came by and said that he had purchased the home three months prior and was giving it back to the prior owner, landlord #2. The house nearly collapsed and #2 let us out of our lease, but says #1 never gave her our deposit.(#2 is a real estate agent and daughter of a real estate attourney, and it took 10 calls to get this far) It has been two months and neither will return our calls. How long do they have, who is libal, and what should I do?


Asked on 10/26/02, 6:31 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: Tenant Rights

The landlords are responsible for returning the deposit. If landlord #2 did not collect it from landlord #1, that's between them. Landlord #2 can make a claim against landlord #1 for the applicable credit, but you have every right to make a claim against both landlords in small claims court for the deposit. Good luck.

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Answered on 10/28/02, 9:26 am
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: Tenant Rights

Sue both in Small Claims Court for your deposit.

Good luck.

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Answered on 10/26/02, 8:34 am


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