suing my former landlord

[teamhands]

okay, here goes:
we're from florida and suing our former landlord for failure to return the security deposit. there are some other things we are suing for, now that they refuse to send back the $1000 security.
we were willing to walk away from them, but they want to stick it to us. thank god i have pictures, because they're claiming on the condition of the apartment.
in short, my question is:
how detailed should my initial description of the suit claim be? the clerk of the court said that it should be short and concise, and that supporting documents are not required at this time. (perhaps becaue there is mandatory mediation/arbitration?..and the documents will be needed at that time?)
any thoughts? thanks so much in advance for your input.

 

[macckkk]

you dispute these charges completely.....keep it short......

Dont tip your hand to the landlord you have pictures. Let them think you have nothing...

What else are you suing for? chances are if its NOT an actual expense out of your pocket, it will be seen as vindictive, and wont make you look good.

 

[teamhands]

briefly...
after we moved in, we found out that all of the power/utilities for the common coin laundry, exterior lights, sprinkler system were hooked up to our apartment unit without our knowledge or consent. it took them 5 & 1/2 months to rewire/re-adjust the power/gas/hot h2o/etc. ... after 4 months, he hadn't replaced the gas with his own gas line or electric dryer. one day he shows up and takes it out and did not replace it for almost a month because he did not want to give us another rent reduction.
we were also prohibited to install our own into the unit per the lease, even tho there were hook ups....(how convenient)
they also asserting costs for locks changed to "insure the safety of their property", unpaid rent (i have no clue, and the 1st i heard of this was in their letter to stake claim on security & i have bank copies of all checks)
plainly, these people are thieving freaks who think we're going to go away, they have not provided any response to our letter in response to the security claim.
he also has never notified us where the security is, was or its bank information as required by law.

 

[FarmerJ]

The court filing you make keep it short and simple that you dispute the deductions for youre deposit being held . Leave all other issues out of it and let a Judge decide what will or will not be allowed . When asked about your complaint in the court room explain that you took pictures of the unit and have them with you . And what each item you dispute .

 

[macckkk]

Do you feel the rent reduction was enough to cover the added electic bill for the 5 1/2 months?

How much did you electric and gas bill drop?


How do they figure unpaid rent? did you stay till the end of the lease?

The landlord cannot charge for changing the locks if you dont request them, and you didnt damage them.

Security must be deposited in a seperate account.

YOU know how REDNECKS are......they SPEND the security deposit so they "FIND" ways to give you back ZERO!

 

[teamhands]

we did complete the full 12month lease.
this building was a tri-plex of 2 bedrooms. so laundry was being done by 6 adults.
i have no idea about the "unpaid rent". the amount they allege is $172.89. since they have declined to respond to my objection letter to their letter of intent to claim, i truly have no clue here.
with the exception of the proration to move-in on the 3rd of the month, i have never paid these people in cents.
my sister in real estate sayd they spent the security and now are back-pedaling.
as for billing, the gas bill alone in march was $77.00 and for the last 2 or 3 months of the lease it was $30. (similar cool weather months)
and that's just for the gas, the problem here is trying to compare year to year when the duration of contract is 12 months.
but ya'll right about one thing,
don't tip our hand, be clear and concise, and don't appear vindictive.
i was ready to take my grand and move on, but they want a fight and now they can tell it to the judge.

 

[macckkk]

So counter them with YOUR added charges.......

You have the proof you were paying THEIR elecrtic and gas bill

You paid $77 a month for gas for 9 months then $30, so they owe YOU $47 x9 months.....

Then add the electric bill Of $xxx for 6 moths then figue the before and after costs per month...

So They lowered the rent, how much per month and for how long? That MUST be accounted for

That should be in your answer.

So did The STEAL any money from YOU???

Thats not being Vindictive ...thats just giving them an EXACT accounting of YOUR out of pocket costs