The tenant must give the owner proper notice that they will be moving.  Once the tenant vacates the premises and at the end of the rental notice period the owner must refund the security deposit within 15 days. 

If the owner intends to keep the security deposit the owner must send a certified letter to the tenant stating that they are claiming the deposit.  The owner must state the amount and the reason why they are making claim to the security deposit.

If the owner does not send a certified letter then notice has not been made and the owner forfeits his right to impose a claim.

If the tenant does not give the owner appropriate notice prior to vacating, the owner is not required to send a certified letter to the tenant.  The owner is relieved from an obligation to notify their intent to keep the deposit.

If the tenant objects in writing to the owner with 15 days of receipt of the claim letter, the owner must return the deposit less the owners claim within 30 days of the date of the owner's notice of their claim.

If the tenant objects, and the tenant and owner are not able to reach an agreement, you must go to small claims court.

For help buying rental properties in the Florida Keys call me at (305) 522-1398 or e-mail me at MayaMarieThomas@Hotmail.com.

Maya M. Thomas
REALTOR®
(305) 522-1398
MayaMarieThomas@Hotmail.com
http://www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com
http://www.myspace.com/topkeysrealtor