Almost every state discourages landlords from retaliating against tenant for exerting their legal rights. For example, in Florida, a landlord can be severely punished for evicting, harassing, changing locks, turning off utilities, removing walls or doors, or raising the rent of a tenant in direct response to the tenant complaining to a government agency or…
If your application to rent an apartment is rejected, you have a right to know why. It is illegal for a landlord to refuse your rental application for discriminatory reasons. This article focuses on the general rights of tenants, as governed by state and federal law. Federal Anti-Discrimination Law Federal law prohibits discrimination on the…
In most states and jurisdictions, landlord responsibilities cover, at least to some degree, protection of their tenants. This protection responsibility may impose a legal duty on the landlord to take steps to protect their tenants from thieves, assailants, and criminal acts from other tenants. In addition to this responsibility to the tenants, landlords may also…
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding landlord responsibilities when it comes to protecting their tenants from criminals and other tenants. • What responsibilities does a landlord have for the tenants’ safety and security? • Are there ways that a landlord can limit their responsibility for the criminal acts of others that…
Disputes over security deposits are the most common disagreements between tenants and landlords. Due to this, states have laws and regulations concerning what landlords can use the security deposit for, and the timeline for when a landlord has to return the security deposit. As in any legal dispute, if you believe that your landlord is…
Every tenant has the right to privacy; however, a landlord has also the right to maintain their property. Sometimes, a landlord must enter a tenant’s apartment to deal with emergencies; such as making repairs or showing the apartment to another potential tenant. Even though a tenant cannot unreasonably deny landlord access to their apartment, the…
If you are thinking about asking someone to live with you and share expenses, then you should learn what is required to add a roommate to your lease. Be aware that if your lease specifically states that no roommates are allowed, you could be evicted by adding a roommate in violation of this clause. Adding…
The property manager/owner is responsible for ensuring the property is fit to live in and in a good state of repair. The tenant must notify them of any repairs needed. If a tenant, or their guest, damages the property, they may have to pay for repairs. Example 1. If a tenant breaks a window by…
A landlord is allowed to sell their property during your tenancy even if you have a fixed term tenancy agreement. The landlord or the landlord’s agent has to comply with the tenancy law when they are selling. Viewings and inspections If they give you the proper notice, the landlord has a right to show the…
A tenant residing in Florida may have certain legal rights when the landlord fails to maintain the premises. Due to the warm and humid climate in South Florida, it is common for tenants to have roof leaks, air conditioning leaks, and pipe bursts all of which introduces water into the property. Water intrusion that is not…
