Can my ex-landlord charge me additional money for pet damage when I already paid a $300 dollar pet fee when moved in?
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Can my ex-landlord charge me additional money for pet damage when I already paid a $300 dollar pet fee when moved in?
They provided no damage pictures even though I requested them. I sent a certified dispute letter within the 30 days and they refused it. The apartment was in good shape when I left. I cleaned the carpets and the place was spotless. How do I go about taking them to court and do I have a case?
Asked on April 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is entirely possible for your former landlord to charge you additional money for pet damage when you have already paid the $300 pet fee when you moved in. If you want the return of your secuirty deposit where your former landlord has failed to provide you with receipts and documentation showing the basis for the retention of your $300 pet security deposit within the staututory time, your option would be to file a small claims court for the return of your money.
Your former landlord bears the burden of demonstrating his or her entitlement to the retention of the $300 secuirty deposit for pet damage by photographs, cleaning receipts, witnesses and the like. From what you have written, you seem to have a good chance of prevailing in small claims court. However, I am not the judge who will be hearing the case.
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