Landlord-Tenant Tips
Tenant Responsibilities:
- Pay the rent and security deposit.
- Keep your dwelling/unit clean and sanitary.
- Remove all garbage in a sanitary manner.
- Keep all plumbing fixtures clean and sanitary.
- Be mindful of noise and behavior so as not to disturb your neighbors and breach the peace.
- Not destroy or deface the property.
- Comply with all housing codes.
Landlord Responsibilities:
- Comply with housing, building, health codes.
- If none exist, the landlord must maintain:
- roofs, windows, doors, floors, steps, porches, exterior walls, foundations
- keep all other structural components in good repair
- plumbing in reasonable working condition
- Exterminate rodents and wood destroying organisms (like termites).
- Provide locks and keys.
- Provide clean, safe common area.
- Provide garbage removal.
- Ensure functioning heat, running water, and hot water.
- Install screens and repair once a year as needed.
What if my landlord refuses or fails to meet these obligations?
- Report them. If you live in a city, call the city.
- If you live outside a city, call the county.
- If it is a big issue, such as a plumbing issue that keeps you from showering, you may have the option to withhold rent.
- You must let your landlord know about this in writing 7 days before your rent is due.
- A sample version of this letter is here.
What if my landlord retaliates against me for doing this?
- They can’t if you have done so because:
- They have failed to maintain the premises.
- You are exercising your rights under housing laws.
What are landlords not allowed to do?
- Landlords can’t shut off or interrupt utility services:
- This includes water, heat, light, electricity, garbage collection, etc.
- Landlords can’t prevent you from accessing your apartment by changing the locks on you.
- Landlords can’t remove your locks, roof, walls, or window unless they are repairing.
- Landlords can’t remove your things from the space unless the unit has been abandoned or you have been lawfully evicted.
- Check FL. Stat 83.67 for reference.
What if they do one of the things listed above?
- They may be liable for damages caused by these actions or three months’ rent, whichever is more.
When can my landlord enter my apartment/dwelling?
- For repairs, a landlord must give 12 hours’ notice and enter between 7:30am and 8pm.
- A landlord can enter anytime if:
- It is an emergency,
- You allow them in,
- You are gone for an extended period of time,
- You don’t allow them in for an unreasonable period of time.
What steps do I take if I think or know I will receive an eviction notice?
Check out our guide here.
After moving out, when do I get my security deposit back?
- Generally, the landlord has 15 days to return the security deposit or;
- They must send a certified letter within 30 days to inform you they will be keeping some or all of your security deposit.
- If you receive this letter, you have 15 days to object in writing.
If you think you may receive an eviction notice or need help with a housing legal issue, request services online from GLS.
Please note:
These questions and answers are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Legal advice cannot be given without information about your specific situation.
