Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Let me start by saying I am a female quadriplegic. I owned rental property in No. Fort Myers and had a tenant that would not pay his rent or vacate my property, not until I hired an attorney, (who was incompetent, in my opinion). It took approximately 6 months to go through the court system and have a sheriff remove him from the property. He actually came to my primary residence, with his brother, and I felt in fear for my life. So more than $10,000.00 later and still have not received any compensation from the tenant. Instead of just getting him out I opted to get some kind of reimbursement from the tenant. He now has a job and I would like to know if 1. How can I get some kind of reimbursement from him? 2. Would it be legal for me to contact his employer and let he or she know my situation and my ex-tenants issues about this situation? I just cannot afford an attorney again, or should I just cut my loses? Thank You For Your Time and Understanding,

Nadine Balasco


Asked on 6/24/17, 3:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Barry Stein De Cardenas, Freixas, Stein & Zachary

If you have not sued for lost rental you can do that now. You don't indicate what your $10,000 in damages are. You cannot likely sue to get your attorney's fees back only if not pursued in the original case. you really need an attorney locally who is familiar with these types of matters. You cannot just contact his employer that would be a bad idea. if the person has funds, you can likely collect fees, if your lease provides for same. that may be an incentive for an attorney to take on the matter. I am a bit confused by your statement

Instead of just getting him out I opted to get some kind of reimbursement from the tenant--

what does this mean? did you pursue damages in the first case?

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Answered on 6/25/17, 10:15 am


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