Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida
Landlord released me from lease and then changed his mind
I wanted to break my lease and my landlord said that I could not. He then called me one week later and left a message on my machine and said he had made a mistake and since I had given him one months notice I was entitled to break my lease. He stated he would return my last month rent check and security deposit after inspecting the apartment. He called me three weeks later and said he had again made a mistake and I could not break my lease. Based on the fact that he told me I could break my lease I have made other committments. What are my legal responsibilities?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Tenant's Action in reliance on Landlord's Stmt.
FACT: Wanted to break my lease; landlord said since I had given one months notice I was entitled to break lease; said he would return last month rent and security deposit after inspection; called three weeks later and said he made a mistake; I could not break lease. Based on prior stmt. I made other committments.
Q. What are my legal responsibilities/liabilities?
A. IF you acted in reliance on what your Landlord said, then you may proceed with you plans. It will be a matter of proof at the time of any trial on the money and this one "smells" like it is going to be a fight. WRITE a letter to your Landlord with your version of the facts and let him know you acted on his prior stmts. and send it RRR. Document and get any other proof/evidence that you can to support what happened. Decide how much time and money you can afford to get your money back. You are not liable/responsible IF he released you from the lease, now just prove he did!