What are my options if my landlord is not meeting their obligations under the lease agreement in Florida?
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If your landlord is not meeting their obligations under the lease agreement in Florida, you may have several options for recourse.
Firstly, you can try speaking with your landlord and explaining the issues you are experiencing. They may not be aware of the problem and be willing to make the necessary repairs or changes to comply with the lease agreement. It is important to document your attempts to communicate with your landlord, in case legal action becomes necessary.
If speaking with your landlord does not lead to a resolution, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The DBPR is responsible for regulating and licensing businesses including landlords and property management companies. They have the power to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against landlords who violate Florida’s landlord-tenant laws.
Another option is to withhold rent, but this should only be done as a last resort and with caution. Florida law allows tenants to withhold rent if the landlord fails to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. However, the tenant must follow specific procedures in order to legally withhold rent, such as giving the landlord written notice of the problem and allowing a reasonable amount of time for the landlord to fix it. If the landlord still fails to comply, the tenant can then withhold rent and deposit it into an escrow account until the issue is resolved. It is important to note that tenants cannot withhold rent for any reason other than the landlord’s failure to maintain the property as required by law.
You may also be able to terminate the lease early if the landlord is not meeting their obligations, but this would depend on the specific language in your lease agreement and the severity of the issue. It is important to consult with a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.
In summary, if your landlord is not meeting their obligations under the lease agreement in Florida, your options include speaking with your landlord, filing a complaint with the DBPR, withholding rent (if done properly), and terminating the lease early (depending on the circumstances). It is important to document all interactions with your landlord and consult with a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.
