Two years ago I rented an apartment in the Blue Heron Beach Resort complex in Orlando Florida, from Skyrise Devolpment. I moved in directly after graduating college spending the majority of my college graduation money on the amount it cost to move in—including a $950 security deposit.
On and off for the next two years we had several different issues - our power was shut off several times, because someone at Skryrise forgot to pay the bill, it would take them WEEKS to return a phone call or e-mail (and very difficult o get a hold of as I was in Orlando and they are based in Hollywood), we requested a new dishwasher for two years as the one in the unit came brokenthey even LOST a $1,000 check I sent them and never called to inquire - I had to ask them why it had not been deducted from my account.
Though the property was beautiful - because of the hassle I decided to move out in June, I let the Skyrise know immediately that I would not be re-newing and would like to setup a walk-through for my security depositI made certain the apartment was in mint condition, going above and beyond. Right after moving out - my dog had a medical emergencypiling up my credit card bill, and so the security deposit became a necessity, not a luxury. I rented a carpet cleaner, I spackled any touch-ups, I made an already clean apartment look immaculate. The apartment came with EVERYTHING I needed - dishware, silverware, etcthough it was free to use, I purchased my own of almost everything - as to not put wear on tear on their items.
To make a very long and drawn out story short - I sent several e-mails, made several phone calls to setup a walk-through, even offering to leave work early or come in latenone of which Skyrise responded. I contacted a lawyer who made me aware of the Florida state statute, stating that if my landlord or rental company did not contact me within 30 days of moving up to A) setup a walk through or B) contact us with an itemized list of damages than legally, they owed us the entire security deposit.
So I let the 30 days pass and called back to make them aware that I was now owed the entire $950 deposit, they shuffled me around to different employees, at one point even hung up the phone on me&just to tell me that I didnt do a walk through and so I am out of the money. They said the money was probably used to repair damages. Knowing the guidelines of the state statute I asked for an itemized list, they could not provide one.
Because the security deposit is such a large amount, the civil court fees are too much for me to afford. All I am trying to do is get what is mine - I was polite, obeyed by their policies and made sure my apartment was in perfect condition upon moving out. I still have my pet medical bills on my credit card - and for someone who recently finished college, and has an entry level job they are very difficult to pay.
My relentless phone calls were nothing but a joke to them. I do not take $950 lightly, and the fact this is nothing but a joke to them has caused a huge burden in my life.
I want everyone to know this story, so they know never to rent from them.
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