Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Illegal Eviction?

Almost one year ago to date, I beliee I was the victim of an illegal eviction. My landlord went into my home without my permission while I was out of town for a period of a few weeks and did so on a regular basis. He was paid the rent for this time period every time and always on time. He was leaving my home open (doors and windows), according to different neighbors, and people went into my then home and stole my property. Eventually, he went in and took everything out, and upon my arrival one day, the whole apartment was gutted out and empty. There was never any paperwork filed with the court for an eviction, or anything like that. I believe that this is illegal, and would like to file some type of claim or charges against him because I was on HUD and he received rent money for two months after he removed my things from the property and never stored them. I was never able to recover anything. He told HUD I moved, and that's not the way it went. Now they want me to pay for the rent that he fraudulently collected, and it's no fair. What can I do? I don't have much money for a lawyer. I am a single mother with four small children all under the age of 5, and we've been homeless ever since.


Asked on 7/12/07, 4:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Illegal Eviction?

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

You should go to the local legal aid office and request that they represent you in a suit against the former landlord. Based on the facts that you presented, it sounds like you have a valid claim. Of course, there are always two sides to any argument and I am sure the landlord will have something different to say.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 7/12/07, 7:03 pm


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