Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida
I am on a short term 6 month lease. The "landlord" admitted that the windows were very old, yet told me the electric bill would be around $175 for the hottest summer months in FL. An place this size would normally be $200 at most in the summer, which is what I paid in the past. The air seemed to work, but it went straight out the window, causing the bill to be double what was expected, nearly $400! He already paid the bill and wants reimbursement for the whole thing. I am willing to split it, or not pay it at all, as I believe this is just cause to break the lease (I am leaving one month early out of six, with all rent paid for the five months living here). The electric is so clearly unreasonable, yet he feels I should pay. I feel duped, and cannot afford it at all. I paid $400 in total electric so far. In a court, would I have just cause to break the lease due to this outrageous bill? Would I be forced to pay it although his windows were faulty? It was clearly not what a "reasonable" person would expect. I paid all rent due while living here. I am trying to negotiate out of court. What can I do? Please advise.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Your lease agreement controls. You need to have it reviewed. His misrepresentation about the costs of electricity may not be enough to justify your ending the lease early.
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