Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Appliances

We are rental tenants. We have lived in the same place for 3 years. We have only once called the landlord with a problem until now. 4 days ago my stove stopped working. On the second day, I called the landlord to let him know of the problem. He said that he would come out and look at it the next day. The next day he called and said that he was going out of town and meanwhile, my stove is still unrepaired. I have 2 children to cook for and cannot afford to pay for the repairs nor eat take out food until it is repaired. Do I any have recourse options here? Reimbursement for meals or reduction of rent for the time I was without a stove? The landlord will not allow us to deduct repairs out of the rent, he will reimburse us. If I could pay for the repair, I have no guarantee of getting my money back. Do I have any rights or what can I do? I would appreciate a response. Thank you. ''Hungry''


Asked on 7/12/02, 10:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: Appliances

I would have to look at your lease agreement. If you pay for repairs, you should be able to obtain a set-off (credit) on your rent for an amount equal to the money spent on repairs. However, if the landlord wants to be difficult, it appears from your e-mail that you would not be able to afford to hire a lawyer and the landlord may abuse his/her knowledge of that fact. You can file a claim in small claims court or you can try to retain free legal services from various organizations that offer free legal assistance to lower income famalies. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/15/02, 6:51 pm


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