The person you want to contact is attorney Debi "Queen" Rumph, or your attorney.  These are the only persons who will give direct, effective legal advice and/or strategies.  For the reasons below, I routinely advise my client not to call code enforcement or any other other agencies until they have a full, effective strategic plan, as described below.

As a renter, it's important to be aware that you may be responsible for repairs instead of your landlord. This can be a costly surprise, especially if you previously agreed to cover repairs on behalf of your landlord in the lease. Depending on the repairs required, you could end up spending thousands of dollars.  See, for example:  Prior Blog Post Where Tenant Held Liable for the Landlord's Repairs.

When this occurs, my clients, naturally, go from offense to defense.  We strategize together to help them break free of that overbearing lease.  We work to dissolve that potentially expensive obligation.

As someone who advises tenants on dealing with their landlord's obligation to make repairs, I work closely with my clients to help plan their next steps. It's worth noting that, according to The Florida Landlord and Tenant Act, tenants may need to withhold rent to ensure necessary repairs are made. However, this can result in potential eviction proceedings. Unfortunately, many tenants are caught off-guard by the complexities of Florida's eviction laws and process, which can lead to expensive legal battles or even eviction.

Depending on the lease agreement or the law, a landlord may or may not be obligated to fix certain things in a rental property. For example, repairing damaged screens or windows can typically be the landlord's responsibility, while fixing a pool can be a more complex legal matter.

Therefore, tenants should have a detailed plan before requesting repairs from their landlord.

Conclusion

To prevent expensive eviction proceedings, avoidable expenses, and being held responsible for repairs that you may not be entitled to, it's crucial to retain a strategic lawyer who has extensive experience in tenant law. The legal process can be complicated, so it's advisable to consult with an experienced lawyer. Seek out a lawyer who is enthusiastic about tenant law and enjoys their work. They can evaluate your situation, represent you, and provide their knowledge and experience to guide you through the process.

If you need help dealing with your landlord, please contact us. We provide solutions for tenants like you, and we welcome you to fill out our online form for more information about our available services.