Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

I own a small golf store that is located in a small market type flea market. I have moved all my inventory in and realized its not the right market to be in. I signed a one year lease that does not commence until October 1st . I have a copy of the lease but only with the lessor signature not mine, she does have a copy with my signature. There have been two changes to the lease since I signed it. One is rent per month with is on my copy crossed out and intialed by the lessor. The other change is in rent and space that I do not have a copy of those changes. Before I go on to my real issue my first question would be that the original lease should be void because I signed it before the changes and a new one should be executed with the changes that both copies lessor and myself with both signatures? Yes? The other issue is this landord is known for locking up booths from vendors and keeping their inventory mostly from lack of paying rent. I am leary that if I approach the landlord or lessor with my concern tthey will lock me out. And attempt to keep my inventory. I have over $60k in inventory. The rumor is they are ruthless with no compassion. They do have a $1,000 security deposit of mine. My thought proccess is one my lease has not commenced yet so they can not lock up my inventory, or that the lease is void until a new one is printed .please advise, walter laverick


Asked on 9/14/14, 12:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

The lease agreement controls. The fact that yours does not have your signature is irrelevant. Sounds like you have a signed contract. The handwritten changes can be effective. The lease may actually provide them to impose a lien on your assets. You need to have your actual lease reviewed by an attorney. Don't assume they cannot lock up the inventory, they may be able to impose such a lien against rental due under the agreement.

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Answered on 9/14/14, 12:55 pm


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