Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

My future landlords, the Johnsons, told us they would have our future rental cleaned out and ready to move in before our contract starts on November 1st. They gave us the key to start moving in early so we did not have to move everything at once. We agreed to do this in July. Our lease starts in less than 2 weeks and the place is still disgusting. The past tenants dirty dishes are still in the sink, the garage door is missing its window, all of the owners belongings are still in the house, and the place needs desperate cleaning. They asked me to turn the power on last weekend so they could clean out the house without being in the heat. I have been paying for service since October 10th ($29). I went into the house on Sunday, the 17th, and they have done nothing. I want out of this contract but they have our $1400 security deposit. Is there any way I can get my money back, plus the $29 FPL fee they asked me to turn on?


Asked on 10/20/09, 10:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

You need to seek the advice of an attorney. What does your contract state? Was all of the above included in the contract when you signed. If not, you may have a problem. Dirty dishes and the belongings in the rental only state that the current tenant does not have to leave until the end of the month. The Garage Door does have to have the windows replaced but that is of small consequence if everything else is in bad shape. Ask for your money back and the electrical payment. If they refuse, get an attorney.

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Answered on 10/20/09, 11:52 am


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