RUN! PUBLIC WARNING -- DO NOT RENT FROM INNOVATIVE REALTY…read more
I was a tenant in Aloma Trails, Winter Park, FL, for over two years until July 1, 2025. I took exceptional care of my home, paid rent early every month, followed every lease term, and even received a reference letter from Innovative Realty calling me a "great tenant." Yet this same company is now ignoring certified letters, calls, and emails while unlawfully withholding my deposit in violation of Florida Statute 83.49. What they're doing is dishonest, unethical, and illegal. I'm sure they'll be quick to reply here--but don't worry, I'll respond again with another 1-star review.
A month after move-out, I received a letter claiming deductions from my deposit. I sent my first certified dispute with receipts, photos, and cleaning invoices. After weeks, they changed the total withheld. I sent a second certified follow-up--ignored. Florida law gives landlords 30 days to provide written certified notice or they forfeit the right to keep any portion. Their silence alone violates 83.49(3)(a).
On Sept 5, 2025, I sent a third and final certified letter after receiving two partial checks totaling $1,252.80. I disputed the remaining $691.18: $468.73 for paint, $105.81 for the hallway, $81.64 for the garage, $35.00 for a "missing" shower-rod--all false or invalid. I repainted using Sherwin-Williams paint that exactly matched the builder's color (Batch ID "Aloma Trails") and provided receipts. Charging me for repainting is a clear attempt to make a tenant pay for routine refresh--expressly forbidden under 83.49(3)(a). Normal wear is the landlord's duty. Their own lease quotes that statute word-for-word.
The "missing" shower rod? Time-stamped photos prove it was already gone when I moved in, and their own Realtor.com listing shows the same. Still, they charged $35. That's deceptive. Worse, neighbors' photos showed the carpet replaced immediately after I left, even though no carpet issue was listed in the inspection. The withheld deposit nearly equals the cost of that replacement--evidence my funds paid for an upgrade, not damage. Those costs never appeared on the maintenance report or vendor invoices--clear concealment.
I also agreed to pay $445.61 in utilities once given an itemized statement. They never provided one. No proof, no receipts, just a number. That's bad faith under Florida law.
I gave this company three chances--July 26, Aug 5, and Sept 5--to fix this amicably. They ignored every one. 83.49(3)(c) allows tenants to recover triple the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees for bad-faith claims. Their silence and conflicting explanations meet that definition.
Innovative Realty refuses to answer calls, emails, or certified letters--despite USPS signatures confirming delivery. Their behavior is unprofessional and outrageous. A company that boasts "customer service" shouldn't vanish when a tenant asks for their own money. I've spoken to neighbors and other former tenants with identical experiences--this isn't isolated.
I am currently filing complaints with the Florida Attorney General, DACS, DBPR, and the Better Business Bureau, and will pursue Small Claims Court in Orange County for $691.18 plus all legal costs and potential statutory damages. They still owe me this money, and until they pay, I'll continue warning others.
If you're considering renting through Innovative Realty LLC--DON'T. Document everything, photograph every wall, and send all mail certified. I was a model tenant, yet treated like I don't matter. Their silence speaks volumes. I have every receipt, photo, and certified letter to prove the truth. Innovative Realty: you owe me $691.18. Do the right thing or I will keep using the outlets I have available to me until you do.