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What are my legal responsibilities as a landlord in Florida?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a landlord in Florida, you have several legal responsibilities that you must fulfill to ensure that you comply with the law and avoid legal issues or disputes. Some of your primary legal responsibilities as a landlord in Florida are:

  1. Provide safe and habitable living conditions: One of your primary responsibilities as a landlord in Florida is to provide safe and habitable living conditions for your tenants. This means that you must ensure that the rental property is free of any hazards or dangers that could harm your tenants, such as mold, mildew, toxic chemicals, or structural defects. Additionally, you must provide working heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as appropriate trash and recycling facilities.
  2. Fulfilling your obligations under the lease: You must also fulfill your obligations as set forth in the lease agreement between you and your tenant. This includes providing your tenants with a copy of the lease agreement, adhering to any rent payment schedules, and making any necessary repairs or maintenance as specified in the lease.
  3. Adequately maintaining the property: As a landlord in Florida, you have a legal responsibility to keep the property in good repair and to make any necessary repairs promptly. If you fail to maintain the property adequately, your tenants may be able to pursue legal action against you.
  4. Keeping tenants' security deposit properly: Under Florida law, you are required to keep your tenant's security deposit in a separate account and return it to your tenant within 15 days of the end of the lease, provided there are no damages to the rental property or outstanding rent payments.
  5. Complying with applicable housing laws: You must also comply with all applicable housing laws, such as state and federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination against tenants based on their race, gender, religion, or other protected status.

There may be a few exceptions or limitations to these responsibilities, depending on the specific circumstances of your rental property or lease agreement. If you have any questions or concerns about your legal responsibilities as a landlord in Florida, it's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable attorney or legal professional who can provide you with personalized advice based on your situation.