Find out what justifies rent withholding in Florida if your rental unit has serious defects.

Florida tenants are legally entitled to rental property that meets basic structural, health, and safety standards and is in good repair. If a landlord fails to take care of important maintenance, such as a leaky roof or a broken heater, you have several important legal rights, including the right to withhold rent until repairs are made.

What Justifies Tenants Paying Less Rent in Florida

Before you can withhold rent, make sure that the circumstances justify you paying less rent and that you comply with state legal requirements on things like notice you must provide your landlord. Check Florida state law (see resources below) on the following:

Florida Guide to Tenant Rights

For an overview of Florida landlord-tenant law, including your rights to habitability, see the Florida Bar and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services resources on consumer protection.

Florida State and Local Law on Rent Withholding

For state law on rent withholding, see Fla. Stat. Ann. § 83.60.

See the Laws and Legal Research section of Nolo for advice on finding and reading statutes and court decisions.

Also, check your local housing ordinances for any city or county rules that cover tenant rights when it comes to repairs. Contact your local building or housing authority. To find yours, call your mayor or city manager’s office or check your city or county website.

Do you have a tenant who’s not paying rent, or a landlord who’s not fixing the property? Call/text  561-838-9595 or email in[email protected] and find out your rights.

 

Source: NOLO.com