Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Re: Duty of Landlord to Handicapped Tenant

Q: Does landlord have duty to provide garage unit to store tenant's tricycle at no cost to tenant since there is no other provision for bicycle or tricycle storage?

FACTS: Apartment complex has no provision for storage of bicycles. In addiion to outside parking areas there are a limited number of individual enclosed garage units that tenants can rent. Tenant suffers from osteoporosis and recently incurred a stress fracture in foot with poor recovery prognosis. Because of other health problems, tenant's exercise alternatives are limited. Physician strongly recommemds a tricycle (not a stationary bicycle). Tenant does not rent a garage because the units are too small for tenant's car.

A: Landlord has to accomodate handicapped. Allow access to all facilities. I do not believe this means free storage for physical therapy appliances/devices. Check with county code enforcement office to see what are requirements for bicycles in apt. complexes.

William W. Fernandez

William W. Fernandez, Attorney at Law

250 Panama Road East