Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

we have had a tenent in an apt for a year. In the lease it states that they havr 3 days to change over the water and electric. we have asked them every month to change the electric to their own name. every month they say they have or come up with another excuse. Their bill is over $1000.00 and have not made arrangements to pay it. We have talked and written to them, they always say they are taking care of it. Their lease ran out last month and they said they were moing on the first but are still there. The water is still in our name, and not their's as required by the lease . CAN we not pay and have it turned off?


Asked on 1/09/13, 9:14 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

You likely cannot turn it off while they still live there. You need to evict them.

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Answered on 1/09/13, 9:25 am
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

By waiting a year I do not think a judge will be happy with your turning if off. Evict and seek damages. Hard to believe electric comp. let bill increase.

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Answered on 1/09/13, 11:09 am
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

Self help is not looked favorably upon by the courts. You can not turn off the power. I suggest you file an eviction notice and show that portion of the electric etc as part of the damages that you have sustained. If I can be of assistance please contact my office for an appointment.

(904) 997-1031

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Answered on 1/09/13, 12:38 pm


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