Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida
landlord law
i am currently renting one of my property to a doctor. she has failed to pay rent for the last 2 months despite repeated phone calls. can i change the locks without letting her know? what options do i have in this case
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: landlord law
No , you must start eviction action in court.
Re: landlord law
You cannot take the law in your own hands. File ejectment case in the court.
Re: landlord law
No you can't you must file for eviction and follow the statute which means first giving her a three day notice.. Please contact my office we do evictions.
Re: landlord law
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Absolutely not. Florida does not allow a landlord to change the locks due to non-payment of rent. If you do, you will face severe penalties.
You must first give the tenant a three day notice pursuant to Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes and section 83.20. Then you can file a suit for eviction and for damages due to non payment of rent. If you are incorporated, you must use and attorney to file the suit. If not, it is not required, however, it is highly recommended.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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