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Posts Tagged ‘Florida tenants rights’

Florida Landlord and Tenants Responsibilities

Monday, 12 December 2011 12:07 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Florida Landlord and Tenants Responsibilities

Property owners in Florida who decide to have their properties rented or leased know that there are certain duties to be followed as well as Florida landlord rights to be practiced so that along with the tenants rights and duties they can both have peaceful and orderly lives. However efforts to know about these right and duties are only pursued when problems or questions arise.

Florida Landlord and Tenants ResponsibilitiesPart of the landlord’s responsibilities is to ensure to provide a livable and safe place for the renter or tenant. This means, that the roofs are not leaking and the walls are in tact and ready for all kinds of weather. The stairs must be safe and and the locks are functioning on the doors, windows and elsewhere they are needed. The house must also be safe from insects and other parasites.The residence must have proper toilet flushes and likewise, the equipment for heating and ventilation must also be functional. Garbage disposal facilities must be available and the electrical system must also be working.

Part of being a tenant is to have a checklist of the things that you need in the property and another for the things that are important to you. By having this list, you can easily point out damaged fixtures and request for repairs and replacements that need these endeavors but were perhaps taken for granted by the previous owners. This will also determine how much you love the property because there are tenants that cannot tolerate certain shortcomings and will consequently decide not to rent out the property. This also allows the landlord to see the damages of the place and not to hold you responsible, making it swifter for the landlord to fix the damage fixtures.

It is likewise important for landlords not to discriminate when it comes to choosing their tenants. Having biases in terms of religion, sex, age, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, ancestry and others can get the landlord in trouble. Likewise, it is also the tenants right to file complaints to the city inspection department if the landlord is unresponsive. Landlords cannot retaliate when you file these complaints and these inspectors can actually compel them to listen to your grievances and resolve your problems. If there is a problem in the rented property that requires you to abandon it, you have the right to receive rent abatement or a prorated rent return. Lastly when the tenancy agreement ends, Florida tenants rights entitle the tenant to a full refund of the security deposit balance with 21 days after you have left the place.

Florida Tenants Rights

Monday, 05 December 2011 12:08 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Florida Tenants Rights

The presence of Florida tenants rights makes Florida a primary spot for property rentals. But being protected by these rights is futile if you don’t have any knowledge of what they are. Thus being a renter entails knowing these Florida tenants rights in order to make your stay in the property a peaceful one.

Florida Tenants Rights

One of the most basic Florida tenants rights is the right to privacy. There is actually a law that prohibits the landlord from entering the property without proper notice from the tenant. This notice however is waived in times of emergencies. The property that you are renting must have basic needs, the lack of which may put you and your living condition in danger or in an inconvenient state. This means that there should be sufficient heat, proper locks on doors, smoke alarms and other basic elements to keep you safe and warm.

Part of being a tenant is to have a checklist of the things that you need in the property and another for the things that are important to you. By having this list, you can easily point out damaged fixtures and request for repairs and replacements that need these endeavors but were perhaps taken for granted by the previous owners. This will also determine how much you love the property because there are tenants that cannot tolerate certain shortcomings and will consequently decide not to rent out the property. This also allows the landlord to see the damages of the place and not to hold you responsible, making it swifter for the landlord to fix the damage fixtures.

It is likewise important for landlords not to discriminate when it comes to choosing their tenants. Having biases in terms of religion, sex, age, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, ancestry and others can get the landlord in trouble. Likewise, it is also the tenants right to file complaints to the city inspection department if the landlord is unresponsive. Landlords cannot retaliate when you file these complaints and these inspectors can actually compel them to listen to your grievances and resolve your problems. If there is a problem in the rented property that requires you to abandon it, you have the right to receive rent abatement or a prorated rent return. Lastly when the tenancy agreement ends, Florida tenants rights entitle the tenant to a full refund of the security deposit balance with 21 days after you have left the place.

Important Reminders on Florida Tenants Rights

Friday, 02 December 2011 12:00 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Important Reminders on Florida Tenants Rights

Important Reminders on Florida Tenants RightsAs Florida is a prime location for rental properties, one of the salient concerns and considerations for renting in this part of the nation is awareness of Florida tenants’ rights. Still many dwellers are either not aware of these rights or if they are, they are not compelled to fight for them even when the need arises. Rights are there for many reasons and although the mentality of some may allude to tenants’ rights being less important, you may be surprised at how practical they are even in your temporary dwelling in a rental property. It is after all still an investment in shelter, which is a basic need of the tenant for himself and for his accumulated possessions through the years. Thus here are things to remember in the course of being a tenant in Florida.

When it comes to evictions, carefully look into the three day notice that goes with the complaint and summons. There should be a final payment date and a physical address where to send the payment that should be stated in the notice. If you cannot find this specific information, you can file a response to the court in the next five business days. For example, if the notice just states a P.O. Box address or “within three business days,” you can employ the help of an experienced lawyer to represent you in court.

Repairs in the property are common and necessary part of renting. Part of Florida tenants’ rights is to seek repair for your damaged rented property from your landlord. As a tenant you have the right to stop paying rent until such repair is done. However, it is also important that you follow the law that will enable the landlord to exercise his rights as well. To keep the peace between you the tenant and the landlord give the landlord ample time to address and complete the repair. To abide by the law make sure the landlord has seven days notice about the repair problem. If the situation is not handled in a timely manner notify the landlord that you will stop paying rent until the problem is rectified. This should be done in a formal letter stating the problem and should be dated, signed and sent via certified mail for evidence if matters get worse.

Another concern about being a tenant is the security deposit. Even in the event of eviction, the landlord should follow the procedure to give back your security deposit. By law, the landlord has thirty days to let you claim your security deposit otherwise you have to contact a lawyer to help you recover the deposit. Some tenants may be uncomfortable getting legal help but you will find out that lawyers take on these cases without upfront fees because they will be paid by the landlord once the case is over, which as far as Florida tenants rights is concerned, will find you recovering your security deposit in no time at all.

Florida Tenants: Rights You Should Know Before Renting

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:07 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Florida Tenants: Rights You Should Know Before Renting

Florida Tenants: Rights You Should Know Before RentingMost renters know there are specific laws and guidelines regarding leases and the relationship with their landlord. The problem is most only bother to find out exactly what Florida tenants rights they have when they encounter a problem. Knowing your exact privileges and responsibilities, as well as those of your landlord, whether you are looking to rent an apartment, house or condominium,  before you  sign that lease is vital in ensuring that you avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. Using a knowledgeable, licensed real estate brokerage firm to help you with your search is always advised for they will have the most updated information on available rentals in the area you are searching in, but in case you want to try it out on your own first, we have complied a list of “to do’s” to aid you in your search.

Here are some guidelines you should heed when you’re out looking for a rental:

  • The best way to begin is to review Florida tenants rights by conducting an online search so you have a clear understanding of your obligations and rights. Check the local municipality website in the town you are interested in or visit http://www.hud.gov
  • When you’ve found an apartment that you like but would still want to look around for other possible choices, make sure that you’re careful with the deposit to reserve the property. Though you may get a verbal promise from the landlord that your deposit will be returned, get it in writing to protect yourself.
  • Be aware that Florida law doesn’t require the lease to be written out by the landlord. Even so, it’s best that you ask for a written document that contains all the terms of the lease, since if you only rely on verbal agreement, you’ll soon come to misunderstandings later when the details of the lease aren’t clearly stated.
  • The span of the rental payment defines the duration of the lease agreement if it’s not otherwise set in the written lease.
  • Once you get a copy of the written lease, make sure to understand every item in it, as it is a binding document that you will have to adhere to for its duration. If you are unsure of what something means, ask your landlord or consult an attorney.
  • Always do a thorough walkthrough in the property before you sign the lease. You need to spot all the problems, defects and other issues that the apartment has. While the landlord may promise you that repairs will be done once you rent the place, make sure that it is written down and included in the lease agreement.
  • During this walkthrough of the property, note down all the status of any damaged areas and fixtures and snap pictures if you can. You and the landlord should be both aware of your findings so you are shielded from damage disputes later.

There are many Florida tenants rights that you should be aware of to avoid difficulties with your landlord in the future. By being responsible enough to know these rights up front, you can ensure that you’re well-informed for any possible future disputes.