A careful walkthrough, compared with the move-in condition report and photos, is the landlord's best evidence of damage beyond normal wear and tear.
On the day
- Collect every key, remote and gate card.
- Photograph every room, the same way as at move-in.
- Note damage, missing items and cleaning needed.
- Get the tenant's forwarding address in writing.
- Read the meters.
The Florida deadlines
Under section 83.49, if the landlord does not intend to make a claim, the deposit must be returned within 15 days after the tenant vacates. If the landlord intends to claim part of it, written notice must be sent by certified mail within 30 days, in the form the statute sets out. The tenant then has 15 days to object.
Our move-out checklist covers the walkthrough, and the deposit return calculator works out the refund.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
