Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

You didn't actually see/smell this apartment before signing the lease? You should have notified the landlord that the apartment was not ready for occupancy due to the condition of the carpeting, and not sign anything or move in until you were satisfied with the condition. It is very difficult to get a landlord to fix or change something, once you have accepted the condition. At the very least, you need to make a note on the walk through form, and ask the landlord for a copy of the "check out" form from the last tenant, to see if the last tenant was charged for new carpet or carpet cleaning that has obviously not been done. Make sure that you keep a copy of the "check in" form, and get the landlord to sign it. If the landlord is not cooperative, you will need to hire a lawyer in order to get the place cleaned up, or cancel your lease.