Comments on: added to the “Tenants and Landlords FAQ”: Washington, D.C. and Florida http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/04/added-to-the-tenants-and-landlords-faq-washington-dc-and-florida/ bed bug news, information, activism, and support Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:02:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/04/added-to-the-tenants-and-landlords-faq-washington-dc-and-florida/#comment-1638 nobugsonme Thu, 08 Mar 2007 03:39:12 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/04/added-to-the-tenants-and-landlords-faq-washington-dc-and-florida/#comment-1638 Updated the FAQ (not above, but the full one). Thanks Doug! Updated the FAQ (not above, but the full one).
Thanks Doug!

]]> By: Doug Summers MS http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/04/added-to-the-tenants-and-landlords-faq-washington-dc-and-florida/#comment-1639 Doug Summers MS Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:42:52 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/04/added-to-the-tenants-and-landlords-faq-washington-dc-and-florida/#comment-1639 In Florida, the landlord tenant law is FS Chapter 83. Under F.S. 83 pest control is listed under the Obligations of the Landlord. A Seven Day Notice To Correct is a letter that specifies in detail the problem that needs to be corrected (exterminate the bed bug infestation in this case). F.S. 83 states that the tenant may break the lease without penalty if the landlord fails to address the notice. Constructive eviction is a also a possible defense to break the lease, but the 7 Day Notice to Correct letter is the usual starting point. A personal injury civil lawsuit is another potential option. Also check to see if your deposit was placed in an escrowed bank account by the landlord. If the landlord places the deposit funds in their business or personal bank account (or intermingle the funds in a non-escrowed account) they have violated the law and are not permitted to retain any of the deposit regardless of any damage or contract issue that may exist. Most private landlords in Florida fail to place the deposit funds in an escrow account. You can download a copy of the law at myflorida.com Florida law usually favors the rental tenant in a bed bug infestation situation, but needless to say you should consult an attorney about the specifics of your situation if you expect civil litigation with your landlord. In Florida, the landlord tenant law is FS Chapter 83. Under F.S. 83 pest control is listed under the Obligations of the Landlord.

A Seven Day Notice To Correct is a letter that specifies in detail the problem that needs to be corrected (exterminate the bed bug infestation in this case). F.S. 83 states that the tenant may break the lease without penalty if the landlord fails to address the notice. Constructive eviction is a also a possible defense to break the lease, but the 7 Day Notice to Correct letter is the usual starting point.

A personal injury civil lawsuit is another potential option.

Also check to see if your deposit was placed in an escrowed bank account by the landlord. If the landlord places the deposit funds in their business or personal bank account (or intermingle the funds in a non-escrowed account) they have violated the law and are not permitted to retain any of the deposit regardless of any damage or contract issue that may exist.

Most private landlords in Florida fail to place the deposit funds in an escrow account.

You can download a copy of the law at myflorida.com

Florida law usually favors the rental tenant in a bed bug infestation situation, but needless to say you should consult an attorney about the specifics of your situation if you expect civil litigation with your landlord.

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