Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

I lived in an apartment complex for 6 years. First year, was forced to move to another unit due to the complex having to re-do the buildings to code per the Fire Marshall. The unit I went to was on the 3rd floor. I moved out of that one after a little over 2 years to go to a bigger unit on the first floor. I am a Law Enforcement Officer and was asked multiple times for assistance with minor situations. This was when they were unable to reach their Courtesy Officer and/or during a time when they did not have one. I would assist because I cared about the community I called home. The sales people have used my Patrol Car as a sales point when showing the property. They would mention all the police who live in the complex and point out our vehicles as a way to get folks to move in.

Prior to my moving into the unit on the first floor, as I was doing the walk through, I observed the carpets to be dirty. I had to ask the manager to have the carpets cleaned which then backed up my relocation time. During my living in the apt, my A/C had a leak and damaged the wall and a portion of the floor near the damaged/wet wall. I was told the carpet would be replaced upon my moving out due to the damage. Imagine my surprise when I logged on to the portal and saw that I owe them over $170. They listed $377.39 for carpet replacement on top of charging me for final water/trash (which I understand).

What should I do about the carpet? were there stains? Yes, a few minor ones, but when I was told the carpet was going to be replaced, I did not find it necessary to spend the money on cleaning the carpet for it to be ripped up and trashed.

On another note, the electricity there was wired wrong after some kind of issue and I was paying the bill for the unit above me and the person above me was paying my bill. I realized this when the person above me moved out and my power was turned off. When I saw the Duke Energy tech, I was told the wires were crossed and it was the complex's issue to fix. I tell the complex, and was told there were over 20 units with that issue. What can I do about that?


Asked on 2/27/17, 7:31 pm

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

As to the electricity - get a copy of the bills for the time that the unit above paid your bill. compare to what you paid for them - the difference can be sued from from the complex for failure to comply with the building codes.

As to the carpet - explain your reasoning to them. If they fail to see the error or their way, move.

And just for giggles: Also, please send them a bill for the services you provided while an off duty officer. Explain to them that just because you were there, that was no reason to assume (ie the carpet). Therefore they owe you xxxx amount of money. could work -

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Answered on 3/01/17, 12:08 pm


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