Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Rental situation

Moved into 3 bedroom 2 bath doublewide, renting 500.00 per month, 200.00 security deposit. I moved in with myself and 2 teens, 2 homeless teens moved in also so we have 4 teens and 1 adult in the residence. No lease or paperwork was ever signed. The trailer was not in good condition (no heat, air conditioning control doesnt work, holes in walls, plywood floors) The landlord stated that he is having financial problems and cannot afford upkeep on the trailer so he has not fixed anything. Now the sewer has backed up in the side yard and we have raw sewage in the yard. I informed landlord of this problem on 2/17/09 and as of 3/1/9 he had not looked at it. I gave him a letter stating that I would not pay rent until the sewer and the air conditioning were fixed (the air broke with a puff of smoke in Jan) to include the inside control so that the air does not run constantly unless you go out to the pole and flip the breaker. THe landlord responded by giving me a letter stating that I rented the house as is and with only 2 kids. They state that the septic tank cant handle the 2 extra kids. States if we dont pay rent they will evict us. Is this lawful?


Asked on 3/02/09, 5:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Rental situation

You'd have to check your lease as to how many people can live there. As to withholding rent, you don't have that right, and he can evict you if you withhold rent.

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Answered on 3/03/09, 9:06 am


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