Keeping tenants deposit?
landlord tenant attorney Florida Aug 4, 2026
(Location: Miami Florida) I have a tenant who was renting through the Section 8 program. She moved out on July 31, the day before her lease expired on August 1, without providing notice to either me or the Section 8 office. Since moving out, she has been repeatedly calling and texting me demanding the return of her $3,400 security deposit. She claims she left the property clean and in good condition. However, during my inspection I found that the ceiling fan is broken, the microwave is broken, and there is a significant German cockroach infestation that will require professional extermination. Her portion of the monthly rent is $1,900. I’m trying to determine whether I should retain all or part of her security deposit to cover the unpaid rent and the cost of repairs and extermination. What is the proper way to handle this situation, and what steps should I take to ensure I comply with Florida law?
