legal fees reimbursement

[windsurf40]

I plan to sue my landlord for nonreturn of my $300 deposit. Assuming I win in small claims court, Can I ask for $90 filing fee and $75 attorney consultation fee in addition to $300 deposit. This is in the state of Florida. The small claims court form say exclusive of interest and legal fees.n

 

[dj1]

What does it say in your lease? If the landlord is entitled to collect legal fees if they WIN well so can a tenant...Courts try and be fair about this...

BUT YOU MUST include it on your petition against the landlord, you cannot ask for it AFTER a trial, or if you settle then you must settle for an amount that usually DOES NOT include legal fees....EG: both sides pay their own fees.

Are you sure its $90 for small claims...even here in the VERY expensive Big Apple the maximum is only $35.

 

[minerk]

Those fees do seem kinda high. Also check your state laws, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the judge decides that the LL has acted in bad faith.