Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida
Landlord wants MORE $
When we first moved in alot was broken. and the landlord refused to fix anything, Ignored my phone calls etc. I broke my lease since my company relocated me. I submitted all the documents to him that he requested and he allowed me to leave. His lawyer then sent me a letter saying I MAY be sued for the unpaid rent if he cant find someone to move in, if I give up my first, last and security deposit and if I leave the place clean. I did the last two but his lawyer just filed papers to sue me since he couldnt find anyone to move in! I called his lawyer and his lawyer told me not to file anything against him and since I dont have any $ he cant get any from me. Well now I got another letter filing for default against me since I didnt respond to the inital papers. My question is should I file against him? What should I overall do? I live paycheck to paycheck I cannot afford to pay this landlord anything. Thankyou
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Landlord wants MORE $
You have nothing to file against him.
You did not answer the complaint, but ignored it. A default means that you have lost. You will have a judgment enetered against you.
You need to either get a lawyer or try to contact the plaintiff and negotiate a settlement.le
Re: Landlord wants MORE $
A judgment will affect your credit. Either you or your attorney must defend this calim. Your lease may provide for attorney fees.