How many times have you heard a friend give advice regarding a renters situation that sounds something like “legally, they can’t …” or “technically, you don’t have to pay rent if they…”? While they are most likely just try to help, landlord/tenant law in Florida is very complex and oftentimes the information people share with one another is specific to only certain circumstances. When it comes to evictions, it is important to make sure you have the proper information because it can be the difference between whether or not you have a roof over your head. In this article, we will cover information regarding your rights and responsibilities, as a tenant in the case of eviction:
One of the main rights of a tenant is to have the landlord keep the premises in “habitable” conditions. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the space you are renting needs to be glamorous or luxurious, it should not be falling apart. When referring to “uninhabitable” conditions, they are most often dangerous. Some of these conditions include holes in the floor, exposed wiring, and compromised HVAC units. Disconnected cable or outdated appliances is not uninhabitable. The only way these conditions can be considered uninhabitable is if they impose a certain danger to the tenant.
As a tenant, you are also responsible. If the property damage is beyond daily wear and tear, the landlord reserves the right to charge you for the cost of the repair. This often results in the loss of a security deposit.
Tip: A good way to ensure that you get your security deposit back at the end of a lease is to thoroughly inspect a property at the beginning of a lease. If possible, inspect the property before signing the lease. During this inspection, make note of everything that needs repair. You can then tell your landlord of all the necessary repairs and keep a record of doing so.
At the bare minimum, a lease should include payment details and the dates of the lease. Most often, it also includes a list of events that can lead to an eviction.
…and more. These are the most common, however, it is best you read your lease thoroughly to ensure you know all of the reasons your landlord would have grounds for eviction.
To be able to protect yourself from eviction, you must first know all the situations that an eviction would be legitimate.
As a tenant, it is important to know all of your rights. In case you get into a dispute with your landlord, remember this:
Above all else, it is best to speak with an attorney regarding any issues so you can ensure you are protected. If you feel that you are wrongfully being evicted, speak with an attorney to see what your best course of action is. At Arvanitakis Law, we specialize in matters of eviction and foreclosure. We are here to help. Call or contact Arvanitakis Law today to speak with our attorneys.