Understanding Florida's Landlord-Tenant Repair Laws

When renting a property in Florida, knowing who is responsible for repairs—landlord or tenant—is crucial. From leaky faucets to electrical hazards, understanding repair duties helps prevent disputes and ensures a habitable living environment.

Under Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must maintain rental properties in a livable condition, but certain exceptions exist—particularly for single-story homes and duplexes where repair duties may be assigned to the tenant via lease agreement.

This guide clarifies repair responsibilities, outlining what landlords and tenants must do, how to handle repair requests, and what legal options exist in case of disputes.

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🛠️ Test Your Knowledge Before You Read!

Before diving into this article, take a moment to test your knowledge on Florida landlord-tenant laws and see if your landlord could be held financially responsible for neglecting repairs.

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"Think you know your tenant rights? Take this quick quiz to find out if your landlord is legally responsible for making repairs and what actions you can take if they refuse!"

✅ Take the Quiz Here: 👉 Test Your Knowledge on Landlord Repair Responsibility

Once you've completed the quiz, come back to this article to learn more and take action! 🚀

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Not sure if your landlord should cover the repair? Every case is different! Speak with an attorney's law office before making costly mistakes— Call (407) 294-9959 now!

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Landlord Repair Responsibilities in Florida

What Repairs is a Landlord Legally Responsible For?

According to Florida Statute 83.51, landlords must maintain rental properties to ensure they are safe, livable, and compliant with all building codes. The primary repair obligations include:

✅ Structural Repairs – Roof, walls, windows, and foundation must remain intact and secure.
✅ Plumbing & Water Supply – Landlords must maintain working pipes, water heaters, and sewage systems.
✅ Electrical & Wiring Issues – Faulty wiring, outlets, or circuit breakers that pose a risk must be repaired.
✅ Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) – In Florida's climate, a functional AC unit is a necessity.
✅ Pest Control – The landlord is responsible for preventing infestations unless the lease states otherwise.
✅ Appliances (If Provided) – If the lease includes appliances, landlords must repair or replace them if they break due to normal use.

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When Can a Landlord Shift Repair Responsibilities to a Tenant?

For single-family homes and duplexes, landlords can legally assign certain repair duties to tenants if explicitly stated in the lease. These can include:

• Lawn care and exterior maintenance
• Minor plumbing fixes (e.g., unclogging drains)
• Replacing air filters and smoke detector batteries
• Interior maintenance (e.g., lightbulbs, minor repairs)

📌 Key Tip: Always review your lease agreement to see who is responsible for what before signing.

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Tenant Repair Responsibilities in Florida

What Repairs is a Tenant Legally Responsible For?

Florida law requires tenants to maintain rental units in a clean, sanitary condition and avoid property damage. Under Florida Statute 83.52, tenants must:

✅ Keep the property clean – Dispose of trash properly and maintain hygiene.
✅ Prevent plumbing damage – Report leaks immediately and avoid clogs caused by negligence.
✅ Use appliances properly – Prevent damage to provided stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
✅ Prevent mold and pest infestations – Maintain proper ventilation and store food securely.

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When is a Tenant Responsible for Repairs?

A tenant may be held responsible for certain repairs if:

🚫 They caused the damage – If a tenant breaks a window, damages walls, or neglects maintenance, they must cover repair costs.
🚫 They fail to report small issues – A minor leak that turns into water damage due to negligence can make a tenant liable for repairs.
🚫 Their lease specifies repair duties – If the lease legally assigns responsibilities (e.g., maintaining the yard in a single-family home), the tenant must comply.

📌 Key Tip: Always report damages in writing immediately to avoid being held responsible later.

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Common Rental Property Repair Issues in Florida

1. Plumbing Problems

🚰 Leaks, clogs, or broken pipes can cause major damage.
🔹 Landlord's Duty: Fix serious plumbing issues (e.g., water heater failure, burst pipes).
🔹 Tenant's Duty: Prevent clogs, report leaks promptly, and use fixtures properly.

2. HVAC & Air Conditioning Issues

🌡️ Florida law requires functional AC in rentals.
🔹 Landlord's Duty: Repair malfunctioning air conditioning systems.
🔹 Tenant's Duty: Replace air filters regularly and use the system properly.

3. Electrical Problems

⚡ Faulty outlets, flickering lights, and circuit issues pose safety risks.
🔹 Landlord's Duty: Ensure the electrical system meets code requirements.
🔹 Tenant's Duty: Prevent overloading circuits and report issues promptly.

4. Pest Infestations

🦠 Florida law holds landlords responsible for pest control unless the lease states otherwise.
🔹 Landlord's Duty: Provide regular pest control for apartments.
🔹 Tenant's Duty: Keep the unit clean to prevent infestations.

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How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

Step 1: Notify the Landlord in Writing

• Describe the issue clearly (include photos if possible).
• Send via email, text, or certified mail to create a paper trail.
• Request a repair timeline to avoid delays.

Step 2: Follow Up if Repairs Are Delayed

• If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, send a formal repair request via certified mail.
• Florida law does not specify a repair timeline, but 7–14 days is generally reasonable for non-emergency repairs.

Step 3: Escalate if the Landlord Refuses to Fix Issues

• Report violations to local housing authorities if the issue affects habitability.
• Withhold rent (ONLY if legally justified) under Florida Statute 83.56.
• Consider legal action if necessary.

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Resolving Landlord-Tenant Repair Disputes

Mediation

A neutral third party can help resolve disputes without court intervention.

Filing a Legal Complaint

If repairs are not made, tenants can: ✅ File a complaint with local housing authorities.
✅ Take legal action for unsafe conditions.
✅ Withhold rent (only if legally permitted).

Landlords can also take action if a tenant fails to report damages or violates repair responsibilities.

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Property Inspections: A Must for Landlords & Tenants

🛠️ Regular inspections help prevent disputes.
🔹 Landlords should conduct move-in/move-out inspections & document conditions.
🔹 Tenants should request inspections and take photos/videos for records.

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Florida Landlord-Tenant Repair Laws: Key Takeaways

🏡 Landlords must keep properties habitable and safe.
🛠️ Tenants must maintain cleanliness and report issues.
📑 Lease agreements may assign extra responsibilities to tenants in single-family homes or duplexes.
⚖️ Legal action is possible if repairs are ignored.

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Need Legal Advice? Contact Us Today

If you're facing repair disputes or need help understanding your rights, the Law Offices of Debi Rumph can help.

🔹 📞 Call us at (407) 294-9959
🔹 💼 Book a Consultation Online

🔹 Protect your rights—know your responsibilities as a landlord or tenant in Florida!

Have you ever had a dispute over a rental repair? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments below!