
Quoting
LandlordinFlorida
My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Florida
My tenant notified me after only 6 weeks in the rented unit (38 days in advance of when she intends to leave) that she will be vacating the unit rented on an annual lease 9 months early. I hold a security deposit, less than 1 month's rent amount, and a payment that was made on the schedule for payment of the last month rent. I understand I need to notify her by certified mail within 15 days after she vacates the property of intent to hold the security deposit and last month rent payment.
Can the security deposit be used to offset expenses to re-rent and the loss of rent due under her lease agreement until such time I re-let the unit?
What expenses can reasonably be charged as expenses and damages due to her earlyl termination? Can I "charge" for my time if I perform tasks to re-let (eg. rekeying locks, cleaning, posting rental ads, phone conversations with perspective tenants, showing to prospective tenants, etc), mileage driven while performing these tasks, etc.
I intend to keep detailed records and, where appropriate, receipts to document efforts to re-let as well as expenses.