Your client is sure that she never should have signed the lease. While the lease specifies that the landlord will maintain the water, electrical, and air-conditioning systems, as well as keep the premises free of insects, termite, rats, etc., she tells you that there is never enough hot water, and the air conditioner either doesn’t cool at all, or cools and sends water into the apartment. She adds that the apartment is infested with insects and rodents, and that the landlord has refused to send in an exterminator, or to reimburse her for hiring her own exterminator. Your client has written to the landlord to complain, but the landlord ignores her complaint letters.

She asks: Can I do anything to enforce my rights under Florida law, or am I stuck here for the next two years?

Her next question is: should I advise the landlord in writing that I am temporarily relocating since my home is simply uninhabitable, and also withhold rent until the unsafe conditions are remediated.

Her next question: I will have to hire a landlord-tenant attorney! If I prevail, can I get an award of attorney’s fees!?

Research Florida law and prepare a memorandum of law with applicable cases which answers these questions.

pur-new-sol

Related Questions