[adk77]

Frequent Snowbirds here who are having a difficult time getting our security deposit back.

In our humble estimation, we've met all conditions as spelled out in the contract.

We are finding this very unusual for Village owners as over a number of years, we've never had this be an issue.

We also can't get a response back from one email sent to the owners, owners who always responded promptly before. Illness? Emergency? We don't know.

So, how long would you wait for the check to appear in your mailbox before finding things unacceptable?

Thanks.

[justjim]

Just wonder----have you tried the old fashion telephone? Maybe a friend inTV could find out something for you. 30 days following my leaving the rental would be my "mark" for additional inquiry to my landlord.

[Kelsie52]

I return all security deposits within 10days of the guest leaving.

I think most contracts say 30 days Max.

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by Kelsie52

I return all security deposits within 10days of the guest leaving.

I think most contracts say 30 days Max.

Same here. Always stated in the contract that the deposit would be returned within 30 days but I usually mailed the deposit back within a few days.
Usually you have a new renter coming in so you check the home right away.
You always know very quickly whether there was any damage. I would give the owner a call.

[l2ridehd]

Call them, something may have happened. Lost in the mail, forgot to mail, mailed late, etc. My contract says 15 days and I usually do it with in 3 or 4. Once in a while it takes a few extra days to check the place out if I am out of town, but still usually with in 10 days.

[asianthree]

my contract says 15 days but they have had it in their hands by day four of departure

[sueandskip]

I agree with all the others...I return all deposits within 10 days as long as there are no issues. If there are issues then I call and e-mail both to let the former tenants know what is going on....I would call on the phone as many times as it takes to get ahold of them...

[nhgolfer1]

I am still hoping to get my $700 back but the sheriffs office does nothing except say my claim is inactive. Seniors vs crime sent me a letter saying they turned it over to the sheriffs office.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I agree contract should state the terms. Also I would pick up the phone and call

[rjm1cc]

I would think two weeks is long enough as the decision to make deductions should be made the day you move out or maybe a day or two latter. If the lease says 30 days then at day 36 I would think they breached the lease. The problem is how do you force them to pay. Since they have not notified you of any damages I would think a criminal complaint would be your last resort - theft of the security deposit.

[gustavo]

There is a law in Florida that determines the rules of security deposits on rentals. Nothing in the contract can override the conditions of the law. IIRC, the landlord has 15 days from the end of the lease to notify the renter that they are withholding the deposit and why. If you haven't received a certified letter from the landlord within the 15 days you are entitled to the entire deposit regardless of any damage done by the renter. If you have not received your money file a small claims court case against the landlord for the deposit. Cite the applicable law and it's a no brainer you will win. Additionally, SCC judges are partial renters over landlords.

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by gustavo

There is a law in Florida that determines the rules of security deposits on rentals. Nothing in the contract can override the conditions of the law. IIRC, the landlord has 15 days from the end of the lease to notify the renter that they are withholding the deposit and why. If you haven't received a certified letter from the landlord within the 15 days you are entitled to the entire deposit regardless of any damage done by the renter. If you have not received your money file a small claims court case against the landlord for the deposit. Cite the applicable law and it's a no brainer you will win. Additionally, SCC judges are partial renters over landlords.

The law actually states that the landlord has 15 days to return the deposit, if returning in full. The landlord has 30 to send a certified letter to the renter, if claiming damages and intending on keeping any or all of the deposit.
Florida Security Deposits

But, the OP stated that they sent ONE e-mail that was not responded to.
Most people recommended that the OP try calling the owner. I agree.