My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Florida


Three years ago, J moved in with his wife. They put down a security deposit and a pet fee. They painted the walls and their dog ruined the carpet.

Two years ago, J broke up with his wife, she moved out with the dog, and B moved in. B did not put down a security deposit.

Last year, J moved out, and I moved in with B. J did not repaint the walls nor replace the carpet. He left his security deposit. B and I signed a lease together (J's name was not on it) and neither of us put down a security deposit (our contract said it was paid, but J's name appears nowhere on our contract).


Landlord is now arguing that B and I are responsible for all repairs that exceed the amount of J's initial security deposit. Is this true? The carpet and repainting may very well cost more than the security deposit + pet fee that J initially put down.