how to collect rent from a tenant with an attorney in florida

by Arlie Ullrich 8 min read

If you are Landlord and have a non-paying Tenant, contact your Florida Eviction Attorneys of 954 Eviction Attorneys, PLLC to learn about your rights to not only evict your Tenant, but collect on the past due rent that is owed to you. We have offices in Palm Beach and Broward County. In addition, we serve clients throughout the State of Florida.

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What do you need to know about Florida landlord and tenant laws?

Aug 24, 2009 · Many readers have posted questions regarding the ability to collect rent from tenants. It is important to remember that in all of the cases reported previously on this blog, the Court only appointed a blanket receiver to collect rent after the Association filed an action to foreclose its Claim of Lien. Thus, the Association must pursue the collection procedures set …

What happens if a landlord does not comply with Florida law?

The Florida Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, Chapter 83, outlines all the rights and responsibilities of tenants regardless of whether a lease agreement exists. While some written rental agreements may impact a renter's rights , the Chapter 83 Act prevails over the lease agreement to ensure that all tenants and landlords are protected.

Can Florida homeowners associations collect rental payments from delinquent tenants?

Aug 11, 2019 · As a result of the Tenant not having money to pay-off the Judgment and not providing a forwarding address, the chances of collecting the past due rent are greatly diminished. If you are Landlord and have a non-paying Tenant, contact your Florida Eviction Attorneys of 954 Eviction Attorneys, PLLC to learn about your rights to not only evict your …

How does a tenant terminate a rental agreement in Florida?

Legal issues related to real estate and the landlord/tenant relationship come in a variety of forms. In Florida, these often include: Landlord/tenant disputes, such as those related to rental rates, late or unpaid rent, security deposits, disagreements about the habitability of rental property, and other tenant rights and landlord rights issues.

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How do I file a motion for rent in Florida?

Florida law states that a resident who is contesting an eviction must file an Answer within 5 business days of being served with the eviction summons OR may file a Motion to Determine Rent asking the judge to decide how much rent is owed, and how much if any should be deposited into the Court Registry.Dec 12, 2019

What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent in Florida?

If a tenant does not pay rent in Florida, then a landlord can evict the tenant from the rental unit. A tenant will have three days after receiving the eviction notice to either pay the rent or leave the property.

Can a landlord raise rent during a pandemic in Florida 2021?

THE ANSWER. No, there is no cap on how much a landlord can raise your rent in Florida. State law gives landlords wide-ranging authority over tenants and prohibits local governments from enacting rent stabilization policies.Sep 27, 2021

What happens if a tenant refuses to pay rent?

If the tenant does not comply with the legal grounds and refuses to move out, an eviction procedure could be started. Valid grounds for moving the court for eviction are the failure to pay rent and refusal to move outpost the end of lease period.

How long can I go without paying rent in Florida?

three daysFlorida State Laws on Termination for Nonpayment of Rent Florida landlords must give tenants at least three days in which to pay the rent or move.

How many months rent arrears before eviction?

How far behind on my rent can I get before eviction? The law varies depending on the type of tenancy agreement you have with your landlord. But, generally, it states that a tenant has to be 8 weeks behind on rent (if paying weekly) or two months behind (if paying monthly).

What is the maximum rent increase allowed in Florida?

There's no limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent on a Florida rental.Feb 7, 2022

Why is rent so high in Florida 2021?

Tepid wage growth, higher land and construction costs, increased demand for rentals and rising home values all have contributed to the affordable housing situation in South Florida, experts say.

What is the average rent increase per year in Florida?

Cities lead rise 13% overall rise in US rents from 2020 Some metros are seeing sharper rent increases than others. Three markets in Florida — West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami — have all seen the average rent rise a whopping 36 percent year-over-year.Nov 24, 2021

Is not paying rent a crime?

-You should not go to the police with the intention of reporting a crime: failing to pay rent is a breach of contract, not a crime. It is a breach of contract, therefore, it must be claimed through civil channels, not criminal.

What happens if there is no rental agreement?

If there is no oral agreement or written lease, this means that you have a month-to-month tenancy at will, and you should pay rent on a monthly basis. ... There is no grace period for paying rent, and you can be evicted for non-payment, so it is important to keep up with payments if you can.Oct 18, 2021

What are the grounds of eviction of tenant?

Often non-payment of rent, rent agreement violation, property damage and illegal activity are key grounds for a tenant eviction. Therefore, the tenant must refer to the provisions of the State Rent Control Act to find out the grounds for eviction specified under the Act.Jun 14, 2018

What is a written rental agreement?

A written rental agreement can be a formal contract or simply a copy of a letter stating the rights and obligations of both the landlord and tenant. Florida law requires that notices to and from a landlord must be in writing and must be either hand-delivered or mailed, even if the rental agreement is oral.

How to notify landlord of noncompliance in Florida?

A tenant must notify the landlord, in writing, by hand delivery or mail, of noncompliance with Florida law or the requirements of the rental agreement. The written notice shall also indicate the tenant’s intention to terminate the rental agreement due to this noncompliance.

Can a landlord force a tenant out of a house in Florida?

Florida Law does not allow a landlord to force a tenant out by: Removing the tenant's personal property from the dwelling unless the action is taken after the surrender, abandonment, or recovery of possession of the rental unit due to the death of the last remaining tenant or after lawful eviction.

What is damage deposit?

A damage deposit is the most common requirement of landlords. Before signing a rental agreement, examine the premises and make note of any damaged items (e.g., broken fixtures) and, if possible, take a picture and include a date stamp. Give a copy to the landlord and keep a copy for your files. This may help eliminate or minimize disputes later.

How long does it take to return a security deposit?

On vacating the premises for termination of the lease: If the landlord does not intend to impose a claim on the security deposit, they must return your deposit within 15 days or, Within 30 days, the landlord must give you written notice of how much of the deposit will be kept and why.

Can a landlord enter a rental unit?

The landlord may enter the rental unit at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises. The landlord may enter the rental unit on reasonable notice to the tenant and at a reasonable time to make repairs to the premises.

What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent?

If the tenant does not pay the rent or vacate, the landlord may begin legal action to evict. For the landlord to gain payment of rent or possession of the dwelling, they must file suit in county court. The clerk of the county court will then send the tenant notification by summons.

What is Section 83.53(2)?

Section 83.53(2), F.S. Onceyou agree to rent a dwelling, your right to possession is much the same as if you owned it. However, the landlord can enter at reasonable times with proper notice to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply agreed services or show it to a prospective or actual purchaser, tenant, mortgagee, worker or contractor.

How long does it take to get evicted for not paying rent?

If you still have not complied after seven days , the landlord can begin the eviction process based on non-compliance.

What is a holdover tenant?

A holdover tenant is a person who continues to occupy a property after the expiration of a lease without the owner’s agreement. Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes is instructive on handling a holdover tenant situation.

How long does a landlord have to give notice to evict a tenant?

Generally, before a landlord can institute an action to evict a tenant and recover possession, a Landlord must give the tenant a certain amount of notice (ex: 3 days for failure to pay rent). An action for possession against a holdover tenant does not have the same requirement.

Can a landlord recover possession of a tenant?

Once the lease has properly terminated, and the tenant refuses to deliver possession of the property, the landlord may institute an action to recover possession. Though the process is a bit more streamlined in this regard, there are still issues that may arise when trying to evict a holdover tenant. For instance, it is important to ensure the lease ...

What is the Florida Condominium Act?

Because of the devastating impact that unpaid assessments have on associations, the Florida Condominium Act provides some beneficial remedies for associations to utilize in attempting to collect on unit owner delinquencies. For example, Section 718.116, Florida Statues, gives condominium associations a statutory lien on community properties ...

What is Section 720.3085?

Section 720.3085, Florida Statutes, provides homeowners’ associations with that same remedy. Yet, associations often overlook what is arguably the most effective remedy available, which is the association’s ability to collect rental payments from the tenants of delinquent homeowners.

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Before You Rent

  • If possible, arrange for a walk-through of the premises to identify any problems that should be fixed BEFORE signing a rental agreement. Take pictures or video or make notes of any questionable conditions and include provisions for repairs in the rental agreement or in a separate written document signed by both parties. A tenant is an equal party with the landlord. Y…
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Oral and Written Rental Agreements

  • A rental agreement is an agreement to rent property (commonly referred to as a lease). Rental agreements may be either written or oral. Most rental agreements are written because oral agreements can be subject to misunderstandings and are difficult to prove if there’s a dispute. A written rental agreement can be a formal contract or simply a copy of a letter stating the rights a…
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Deposit and Rent Requirements

  • A damage deposit is the most common requirement of landlords. Before signing a rental agreement, examine the premises and make note of any damaged items (e.g., broken fixtures) and, if possible, take a picture and include a date stamp. Give a copy to the landlord and keep a copy for your files. This may help eliminate or minimize disputes later. On vacating the premise…
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Responsibilities

  • The responsibilities of the landlord and tenant may vary based on your rental or lease agreement and the type of rental unit.
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Access to The Premises

  • The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter the rental unit from time to time to inspect the premises. 1. The landlord may enter the rental unit at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises. 2. The landlord may enter the rental unit on reasonable notice to the tenant and at a reasonable time to make repairs to the premises. “Reasonable notic…
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Failure to Meet Obligations

  • If the Landlord Does Not Comply
    A tenant must notify the landlord, in writing, by hand delivery or mail, of noncompliance with Florida law or the requirements of the rental agreement. The written notice shall also indicate the tenant’s intention to terminate the rental agreement due to this noncompliance. The tenant may …
  • If the Tenant Does Not Comply
    A landlord must notify a tenant in writing of any perceived noncompliance except for the failure to pay rent. 1. If the issue can be corrected, the tenant will have seven days in which make the correction. If the tenant still has not complied after seven days, the landlord can begin the evicti…
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When You Decide to Move

  • Under certain circumstances, if allowed by the provisions of the rental agreement, a rental agreement may be ended when either party gives written notice to the other of their intention. The amount of notice required is determined by the rental agreement or, if this is not specified in the rental agreement, by the periods for which the rent is payable. For example, if the rent is due wee…
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Military Service

  • Florida law provides that a military service member may terminate their rental agreement under certain conditions.
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