Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Can a landlord turn off the utilities if they want you to move?


Asked on 6/04/13, 11:41 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Dawn Marie Bates-Buchanan Bates-Buchanan & Savitsky Law Group, P.A.

The general answer is NO. That would violate the Florida Statue for self-help eviction. That being said, if utilities are not part of the rent and are not paid, the Landlord has no obligation to pay a tenants third party bill. Also if there is a lease and utilities are part of the lease it could address turning off the utilities if rent is not paid. I would consult with an attorney right away to see if they can help you force the Landlord to turn the utilities back on.

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Answered on 6/04/13, 11:47 am
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

The landlord cannot turn off the utilities to force you to leave. That would be improper. That said, if they do it, you have few choices other than leaving. Did you pay the utilities? Are they paid currently?

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Answered on 6/04/13, 11:54 am


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