Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Commercial lease agreement: I'm in a 6 yr lease with my landlord and I'm currently 3 yrs into my lease (never late or behind on paying my rent). We both have separate businesses and share the same property. The lease clearly states that water and electricity is included in the rent and will not increase throughout the lease. Now, my landlord has had the utilities to my building turned off and is requesting that I start paying for utilities. This has affected by business drastically and upon seeking legal advise, I'm told that it's a civil matter. I've also been told that the 1st step is to contact my landlord and demand that the utilities turned on within 3 weeks.

Question 1. Do I have to legally give my landlord 3 wks to get the utilities back on?

Question 2. What can I legally do if my landlord refuse to turned the utilities on after receiving the 3 wks notice?

Question 3. What immediate legal action can I take, now that this inconvenience is putting my business in jeopardy?


Asked on 2/28/16, 1:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

1. no

2. Serve notice for reduction in rent.

3. Ultimate suit for loss of business. You can also start paying and then sue for reimbursement.

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Answered on 2/28/16, 5:20 pm
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

Remind you landlord that the utilities are included in the lease and that the lease is good for 6 years. Demand he turn the power back on or you will file suit. I suggest you send a certified letter return receipt requested to show the could that the landlord was informed. and follow Mr. Slater's advice.

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Answered on 2/29/16, 5:26 am


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