Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

landlord won't pay what was promised after tenant moved out.

I was renting a house that had major problems (roof leaks, rain water coming in the back door, maj plumbing problems, live electrical wires hanging out plus other problems. The landlord promised to fix all the problems but never did. After numerous broken promises that things would be fixed I voiced my frustration and was told if I wanted to move out before my lease was up I would be re-funded the money I had paid for my last months rent plus my deposit. My lease was due to run out at the end of September 2002. I told him that I would look for a place but that it could take me until the lease ran out. I got lucky and found a place. Informed him 2 weeks before I moved out and was told that he would meet me at the home on that date and pay me what was owed. After that he has avoided me, failed to show up when he said he would, will call and say he'll call back and never does. Is he allowed to get away with this ? I moved early based on his word to me. I feel that this should not be legally right, what he has done. I also informed him that I was going back to get certain items I had purchased for the house and had left and he states I could be arrested if I try to get the rest of my things.


Asked on 7/07/02, 10:49 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: landlord won't pay what was promised after tenant moved out.

I suggest you sue him in Small Claims Court for the money he owes you and the monetary value of the property he will not let you obtain. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/08/02, 1:52 am
Alexander M. Rosenfeld Rosenfeld & Stein, P.A.

Re: landlord won't pay what was promised after tenant moved out.

I urge you to consult with competent counsel and then determine which route to follow to protect your interests. Else, you can sue in the appropriate court for all your damages.

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Answered on 7/08/02, 1:26 pm
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: landlord won't pay what was promised after tenant moved out.

You should have reduced the agreement to terminate the lease early in writing. Consult with an attorney experienced in landlord-tenant disputes to learn your options. You may want to file a claim in the appropriate court for all damages you have suffered. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/08/02, 11:08 pm


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