Florida security deposit law. Problem Tenant will not provide forwarding address?

Question

I had some problem tenants the first day and they flooded the house because they were angry about something then they broke their leaves and left the place a mess. I ask them for their forwarding address in an email I sent to them so I could send them certified mail that I am not going to refund the deposit because of all the damage and there broken lease but they did not send me there forwarding address. Then I get an email from them yesterday saying are you trying to steal our deposit if you don t give us our deposit back right now we are going to take legal action we want the money wired to your bank account. I have not responded yet they just moved out 10 days ago because they broke their lease I have new tenants in there now. I read that I have 30 days to respond regarding the security deposit by certified mail but like I said they will not give me their forwarding address. Should I ask for it again? Or should I explain in an email that obviously they did a lot of damage and broke the lease so it will not be refunded? It s hard to get specific information on this thank you in advance

Answer 1

As others have said, you can only try to comply with the law by sending to whatever address you have for them ("last known address") and it is up to them to arrange forwarding if they don't live there any more. Your state laws (or the lease) contain specific dates and means for compliance with the security deposit accounting.



The good news is that when or if they "sue you", you will have a way to contact them (their attorney), you will have defenses (you tried to send them the proper accounting) and counterclaims (for the entire cost of damages, not just the deposit). For instance, they broke the lease and owe rent until you found a replacement tenant; they damaged the place, they must pay for repairs; they forced you to sue them for damages, you might get your court costs and attorneys' fees reimbursed.



You can also file a criminal report for their vandalism (malicious damage) to your property, so that it is also "in the official record".



You can also send them an invoice for the damage, wait 30 days for payment, then send it "to collection", which screws up their credit, based upon their bad faith.

Answer 2

Mail the accounting of their deposit via USPS certified mail return receipt requested to their last known address (the address of the unit they rented from you). Also mail a copy via USPS first class mail so that it will be forwarded to them.



Keep a copy for yourself. Then, when you get the certified mail envelope back, *DO NOT* open it. Attach it to your copy of the accounting and file it with your other documentation on that tenant. That way, you have proof that you sent the accounting within the time frame per FL's landlord/tenant laws; you will need that proof if they are foolish enough to try to sue you for their deposit.

Answer 3

They can make all the demands they choose. You do not have to comply. They are blowing smoke up your tuckas & trying to scare you into bending to their will. Simply tell them the law states you have 30 days to refund the deposit & leave it at that. Do not engage them.



As long as you send the list of charges to all known addresses including the rental address then you have followed the law. You are not legally required to confirm they receive it. As long as you have proof you sent it they cannot do anything but try to disptue the charges in court.

Answer 4

Respond and ONLY ask for the forwarding address. Wait to see what happens

If they choose not to send it, then you have done all you are required to do.

You can choose not to refund anything as you have had expensive cleanup

bills from the damage they created.

Answer 5

Send it to your apartment address, let it be forwarded or returned.

Or go to post office and pay ($3 for forwarding address) and send it there

Read the lease they signed, fully & carefully... Follow requirements

Answer 6

send it to the 'last know address' -your property- they may have filled out a change with the Post Office, send it registered so you can show you sent it to the last known address

Answer 7

I assume they forwarded through the post office, just send to the apartment in their name. It proves you tried.

Answer 8

You reply to their email: (making no reference to deductions/damages/penalties).



All correspondence regarding this matter is being sent to your last known address. (HOUSE ADDRESS).

Answer 9

Mail it regular mail to the address they rented. If they have their mail forwared it will go to them. That might be the best you can do to prove you tried...or mail it to their workpace that you got on their application

Answer 10

Send them an email that says the following (make sure you get the wording exactly right):



F*** YOU!!!