Lately, Eisinger, Brown, Lewis, Frankel & Chaiet has had to resolve many disputes relating to security deposits collected by our condominium associations from tenants who rent from individual unit owners.

It is standard procedure for many associations, if the authority to do so appears in their declaration or bylaws, to require a security deposit from a prospective tenant. This is separate and apart from any other deposit(s) that are paid directly to the landlord (i.e., first, last and security). Both transactions however must abide by guidelines stipulated in the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83, Florida Statutes.