Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

cleanliness of home being vacated by tenant

tenant rented home without lease because at the time he had a very bad tradgeady losing a member of family by suicide.I told him he could have it for as long as he needed till he found something and after he healed and got financially stable.The home was imaculate upon his moving in,no security,no first-last deposit;just good faith and my befriending him. Now he is leaving and the home is filthy;shower has never been cleaned,stove and oven have never been cleaned,new carpating and other carpeting badly soiled and smell.I have asked him to give me a reasonable amount of money so I can have the home cleaned.He refuses.Can I or do I have a legal right to ask for damages as to having the home cleaned so that I can re-rent or sell?


Asked on 6/08/03, 6:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Randall Gilbert Gilbert & Caddy P.A.

Re: cleanliness of home being vacated by tenant

Without a written lease giving you that right (and without me doing any research) I am not sure if you have that right. You can read Florida Chapter 83 to find out the answer.

So assuming for the moment that you do not have that right here is what I would do. Remind your tenant that when he appealed to you in his time of need you were there for him and all you want is for the tenant to restore the property in the condition it was received. If he does not want to give you additional money then give him three cleaning agencies names and numbers and have him pick one to clean the place and have the tenant pay them directly.

Good Luck,

Randall Gilbert

(should you need our services in the future please keep our information for your records)

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Answered on 6/09/03, 8:03 am


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