I moved out of Sabal Palms at the end of my lease. I did everything required of me; I notified them in writing I also completed their form that provides them with my new address and any other contact information.

A few weeks after I had moved out I received a bill which I was expecting because I knew I would owe a few extra days rent. However I was surprised when I got a statement with several extra hundred dollars in charges, the statement was so vague I did not even understand what the charges were for. So I did what I was legally required to do per Florida Statute and that was respond in writing before 15 days from the date of the landlord’s letter.

My first letter was asking for clarification of what the charges were for, I stated I couldn't tell if I should be responsible for some of these items or should be disputing items because every charge was coded. I could however tell I was being charged for carpet replacement and I disputed this because when I left the carpet was not stained, torn, or intentionally damaged it only had normal wear and tear at the stair way entrance which was a high traffic area. But living in many apartments before I did not feel this was unusual I have always received my deposits back I have never left anything dirty or damaged. None of us had jobs that caused us to track in oil or paint etc; it was only normal wear and tear.

I never heard anything back from Sabal Palms then I get a letter in the mail from a collection office! I called Sabal Palms right away and stated my concerns. I explained I sent them a letter and heard nothing back, I stated I was not ignoring the charges but disputing some and needing clarification on others, I spoke to an Apt. leaser as well as the property manager neither of them would confirm or deny the receipt of my first letter. After speaking with the property manager she told me the carpet had been in the apartment since 2006 I moved in in 2009 so that means many other people could have been in that apartment prior to me walking on the same carpet. I asked them to show me in writing what type of damage causes carpet to be replaced and then charge the tenant for that because I should not be charged for normal wear and tear and the acrpet ahd been in their about 4 1/2 years! The manager said she would forward me pictures and invoices as well as something in writing that determines when they are to charge the tenant. I have received nothing from them.

After my phone call I wrote another letter summarizing our phone call and again stressing my concerns and disputes. I again stated in writing that I would be looking for the documentation in the mail she said she would send me. This time I sent the letter certified. I have proof that they received the letter the manager signed for it and they ignored this one just like the first letter I wrote. I have heard NOTHING from them. And still the collection agency is calling me. I have disputed the charges with the collection agency as well, but they still say Sabal Palms states I owe the money.

The thing that makes me the maddest is that I would pay what I owe I don't have a problem with that. But since they failed to give me a detailed explanation of what the codes mean and why some of the charges are 2 and half times the amount they should be and I have no explanation as to why I don't even know what I owe. The carpet charge I am disputing because I don't feel that I owe that.

How do they get away with turning my information over prior to the 15 days I legally have to respond? But since I did respond to their first letter they should have never turned the information over to collections. No attempts were made to rectify my concerns.