What NOT to do when trying to get your security deposit.

Don't call your landlord repeatedly, keep going to your landlord demanding your money, or send phsyical threats in text messages, letters, or emails.

In several of our previous blogs, we have discussed what tenants should do in order to get your security deposit back or what can be done when a tenant is being harassed by their landlord for rent. However, we have not discussed what you should NOT do when a landlord decides to keep or deduct money from your security deposit.

For a landlord to legally keep your security deposit they must comply with Florida Statute 83.49 which reads:

(3)(a) Upon the vacating of the premises for termination of the lease, if the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the security deposit, the landlord shall have 15 days to return the security deposit together with interest if otherwise required, or the landlord shall have 30 days to give the tenant written notice by certified mail to the tenant’s last known mailing address of his or her intention to impose a claim on the deposit and the reason for imposing the claim.

Some tenants believe that the deductions the landlord is trying to impose on their security deposit is unfair and they want to contest the deductions. This is your legal right; however, you should not: Call your landlord repeatedly, keep going to your landlord demanding your money, or sending threatening text messages, letters, or emails. These might seem like an efficient way to get your money back, but this could actually harm your case or even lead to your landlord having you trespassed or worse.

If you are uncomfortable with confrontation or if you have already objected to your landlord’s deductions to your security deposit, and still have not settled with the landlord or received any information back from your former landlord you have other legal avenues available to you and at Palmetto Law Group, we are here to assist. A wise Judge once advised two bickering attorneys that “at the very least we should treat each other with respect, life is hard enough without your lack of courtesy.”



If you or someone you know feels that a landlord has wrongfully kept a security deposit and it has been more than 30 days -- there is recourse. We at Palmetto Law Group believe that renters deserve the same protections as any other consumer and advocate for renter’s rights throughout Florida. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your security deposit issue today. No amount is too small to recover and we are here to help Tenants with issues with their landlords.

You can also read on our blog other useful information on Security Deposits in Florida, FCCPA violations and retaliatory conduct by a landlord among other things. We service most cities and counties in Florida so please contact us today toll free at 1-855-529-7256, or simply reach out to us through our online portal.