Security deposit/rental agreement question

[reenie1]

I wrote a while back about never receiving my security deposit back from a Windsor Hills rental back in April. We still haven't gotten our money back, but are now looking into renting again at Windsor Hills for next April - obviously with a different owner! They just e-mailed a rental agreement saying that a $250 security deposit will be required and will be returned as soon as possible. Personally, I would like it to say something more specific, such as within 2 weeks. Any input as to what most rental agreements say and if it would be a good idea to ask to have something more specific put into the agreement? Or am I overreacting? I just don't want to lose another $250. Thanks!

 

[Freaky]

I am an owner (not in Windsor Hills) and I think it is very important to state clearly in the T&C's how long it will take to refund the deposit. Ours states "within 30 days" but realistically it is done within a week as we have to wait on the Management Company doing a check of the premises and getting back to us.

Also, we have just started to accept Credit Card authorisations for the Security Deposit. This means that in an up front payment will not be required and only in extreme circumstances will a charge have to be made after the guest leaves.

In short, I don't think it would be unreasonable to insist on something in writing from the owner to state when the refund will be made. Remember, it is a renters market out there as there are so many properties in the Kissimmee area that lie vacant for much of the year.

 

[isla bonita]

Again as an owner ours states we require a $500.00 deposit to be returned within 30 days of departure.

I do not just take a credit card imprint I take the actual cash and I return within 3-7 days after departure. Depending on when I get the ok from our man/co.

I have only once had to dock some ones deposit $25.00 for a charge I incurred from our man/co for excessive trash clean up.



The guests had no problem and have actually kept in touch with me.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

We are renting from Florida Sun Vacation Homes and our agreement says 10 days from the day we check out.....

 

[reenie1]

Thank you for your responses. I am going to ask the owner to put something in the agreement stating that it will be returned within 30 days after satisfactory inspection. I should clarify that our previous security deposit was not returned not because we caused any damage (we didn't)- the owner stated that he mailed it two different times (and that the house was left in good condition) and then stopped answering our e-mails, phone calls, and letters. We have not heard from him since the beginning of July and have now asked an attorney friend to help us, although I don't think there's really anything we can do since the owner is overseas.

 

[isla bonita]

Legally it has to be returned within 30 days of departure is my understanding.