Florida Tenant Protection Laws
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Chapter 83 Part II of the Florida Statutes outlines landlord and tenant laws. Renters in the state receive certain privileges from the state, which include a right to privacy, a clean living environment and advanced notice before a landlord can change the terms of a rental agreement. If a Florida landlord violates a tenant's rights, the tenant may seek damages in a local court.
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Deposits
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According to Section 83.49, 3(b)(c) of the Florida Statutes, landlords may collect deposit payments from renters for damage or pets. After the renter moves out of the apartment, the landlord must return this deposit money within 15 days. Landlords who find damage in the apartment have 30 days to return the deposit minus any claims. If the landlord does not return this money within 30 days, he must return the full amount of the deposit regardless of damage claims. Renters who object to a damage claim have the right to file an action in local court.
Maintenance
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Landlords must ensure that the property meets all local health and building codes, according to Section 83.51(1) of the Florida Statutes. This includes maintaining the walls, windows, roof, foundation and other structural components of the property. Landlords must keep plumbing and electrical components of an apartment in good working order.
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Safety
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Section 84.51(2) of the Florida Statutes requires landlords to exterminate all pests in a property, including rates, mice, termites, and ants. This section also requires the landlord to handle garbage removal and to create safe and clean living conditions in common areas such as swimming pools and tennis courts. Tenants have the right to a working smoke detector in their apartment.
Inspections
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In the state of Florida, a tenant can expect a reasonable right to privacy. Landlords may enter a tenant's apartment provided the landlord offers the tenant proper advanced notice to inspect the property. Landlords may also enter a property if they have the consent of the tenant, need to make repairs, or there is an emergency.
Termination
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According to Section 83.57 of the Florida Statutes, landlords must provide written notice to the tenant if they intend to terminate the tenant's residency. If this amount of time is not provided in the rental agreement, the landlord must serve seven days' notice for a weekly lease, 15 days' notice for a monthly lease, 30 days' notice for a three-month lease and 60 days' notice for a yearly lease.
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