[RPPTL LandTen] Weird issue we disagree on in my office

[Jeff Mazor]

Without checking too far beyond a quick reading of Florida statute 83.49, I would think that you could not simply apply the advanced rent payment to damages without some additional language first. 

I suggest something very simple, such as: 

"... Any advanced rent paid, but not applied to rent shall be treated as additional security deposit."

Jeffrey R. Mazor, Esq.
J. R. Mazor & Associates, P.A.
Presidential Circle Building 
4000 Hollywood Blvd.,  Suite 265-s
Hollywood, FL 33021
Email:   JMazor at Mazor.com
Phone: 954-962-3500
Fax:       954-342-7703



-----Original Message-----
From: landten-bounces at lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces at lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Harry Heist
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 11:39 AM
To: 'RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee'
Subject: [RPPTL LandTen] Weird issue we disagree on in my office

Landlord collects a $700 Security Deposit and a $700 Last Month’s rent (advance rent).

 

Last month of lease or when it goes month to month, tenant pays rent. ( they did not have to but did anyway) Tenant leaves on good terms giving proper notice.

 

So, Landlord now still has a $700 Security deposit AND a $700 Last Month’s rent.

 

Damages to the place are $1000.

 

1.      Can Landlord use part of the unused Last Month’s rent for the damages or must it be returned?

 

2.      If not, would a clause like this work “Tenant agrees that unused prepaid Last Month’s Rent, if any, may be applied to damages to the premises or money owed to the Landlord if such damages owed exceed the Security Deposit held by Landlord” 

 

My view: I think this is fair and legal. 

 

Why should a Landlord have to return some unused Last Month’s rent if the Tenant destroys the place and owes more than the security deposit? And if they agree to it even more so.

 

Statute:

 

(9)  "Advance rent" means moneys paid to the landlord to be applied to future rent payment periods, but does not include rent paid in advance for a current rent payment period. 

 

(11)  "Deposit money" means any money held by the landlord on behalf of the tenant, including, but not limited to, damage deposits, security deposits, advance rent deposit, pet deposit, or any contractual deposit agreed to between landlord and tenant either in writing or orally

 

 

 

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