Planning to live off campus? Check out these important reminders before you start looking to rent! We are also here to help review leases if you have questions about the lease the landlord provided!
Security Deposit
Remember: It’s not about the condition you leave it in, it’s about the condition of the place when you moved in compared to the condition when you left it. Document everything BEFORE you move your things in and AFTER you move your things out!
Key Deadlines
Landlord must return your deposit WITHIN 15 DAYS after you move out if they are not making a claim against your deposit.
If the landlord is going to make a claim against a security deposit, they must notify you by Certified Mail (unless you consented to electronic delivery notices) of their intent WITHIN 30 DAYS of you moving out.
You have 15 DAYS after you receive a notice of intent to claim to dispute it, IN WRITING.
Read the Lease Agreement!
(Or have one of our attorneys go over it with you!)
Know and understand your obligations and the landlord’s obligations and avoid mistakingly violating your lease agreement.
- Does the lease give me an option to terminate early? (Not likely!)
- What charges other than rent and utilities am I responsible for?
- What are my options if the landlord cannot move me in on time?
- Is this a joint lease or an individual lease, and for what areas of the residence am I responsible?
- Do I have to change the A/C filter, light bulbs, and batteries in the smoke detector?
- Do I have to get liability insurance? (NOT the same as renter’s insurance!)
IMPORTANT
Most Gainesville leases require you to tell the landlord that you are or are not renewing your lease at least 30-60 days before the end of the lease term. If you don’t, you may owe them one additional month’s rent as “damages.”
By law, landlords (and tenants) must abide by building codes, housing codes, and health codes.
City of Gainesville Code Enforcement
Phone: (352) 344-5030
Email: codes@gainesvillefl.gov
Alachua County Code Administration
Phone: (352) 374-5238
Email: codes@alachuacounty.us
Still have questions?
We’re here to help! Give us a call at (352) 392-5297, email us at sls@studentlegalservices.ufl.edu, or stop by our office located on the third floor of the Reitz Union, suite 3500!