Landlord/Tenant

Landlord/Tenant law in Florida revolves around the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes.  When a person pays rent to live in a house, apartment, condominium or mobile home, the renter becomes a tenant governed by Florida law. It does not matter whether the rental is of a apartment, house, condominium or mobile home, or if the landlord is a private person or a corporation. These facts are true even when there is no written “lease” agreement.

A tenant has certain rights and responsibilities under Florida law. These are specified in the Florida Statutes at Part II, Chapter 83, the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act. A tenant in federally subsidized rental housing has rights under federal law, as well. If there is no written lease, these laws regulate the tenant’s rights. 

We recommend a written lease for landlords or tenants as it helps answer some of the grey areas of the law and leave s everyone feeling more certain. If there is a written lease, it should be carefully reviewed and understood before signing. The Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act prevails over what the lease says, but the lease can set many additional rules on the tenant.

Outside of the language in a rental contract, Florida statutes regarding landlords and tenants are codified under Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, covering various aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship.  Some of the common issues that are covered by Florida Statute include:



Our office strongly recommends to our clients, both potential landlords and tenants, to have a clearly written set of documents outlining which party is responsible for which obligations.  Important issues such as rent amount, late fees, cleaning responsibilities, and termination of the rental must be clearly written and agreed upon. Contact us today for a review of your case!