A recent lawsuit out of Minnesota serves as a warning to landlords everywhere: mishandling security deposits can lead to state enforcement actions, heavy penalties, and reputational damage. Florida landlords should take note: F.S. 83.49 imposes strict rules on...
Think your security-deposit process is airtight? Think again. Florida landlords lose thousands every year; not because tenants are right but because landlords miss a few strict rules under F.S. 83.49. A recent state lawsuit in Minnesota shows how deposit deductions...
For decades, landlords have used security deposits to help protect against damage and unpaid rent. But recently, a new option has gained popularity: the Fee in Lieu of Security Deposit (FILSD). This approach reduces upfront costs for tenants while still giving...
Few events create more confusion for landlords than the death of a tenant. When the last legal occupant of a rental unit passes away, the landlord may be left with unanswered questions: Who has authority to enter the unit? Can the landlord retake possession? What...
The recent Fifth Circuit case of Jackson v. S2 Residential (Sept. 19, 2025) offers valuable guidance for landlords and property managers navigating Fair Housing Act (FHA) compliance, security deposit policies, and tenant habitability complaints. While the landlord...