Tenant Repair Dispute Resolution

Summary

Landlords in Florida are responsible for maintaining rental properties. Tenants can withhold rent if repairs are not made, but must follow specific procedures. Written notice is required for repair requests. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or repair and deduct. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Brevard County for free legal help.

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MY LANDLADY WANTS ME TO PAY FOR MY TERRIBLE NOT WORKING TOILET & SHE WANTS ME TO PAY FOR IT, MEANING PLUMBER REPAIRS THAT HAVE BEEEN GOING ON A LONG TIME, & I AM ENTITLED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM AT ANY TIME NATURE CALLS. SHE CLAIMS, WHICH IS PREPOSTEROUS, THAT I AM PUTTING STUFF IN THE TOILET, IT'S HER WAY TO USE ME AS HER SCAPEGOAT. THIS COMPLEX WAS BUILT IN THE NINETEEN * & THERE HAS BEEN TONS OF PROBLEMS. I RENT HERE AS I CANNOT AFFORD MUCH WITH ALL THE INFLATION GOING UP AGAIN.
What state are you located in, R. Mercer? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding tenant-landlord laws in your area.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. *
What type of lease agreement do you have with your landlady, R. Mercer?

In Florida:
- Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the premises.
- Tenants can withhold rent if repairs aren't made, but must follow specific procedures.
* YEAR THAT EXPIRED & LIVING MONTH TO MONTH. THIS IS AN EXCERPT.
What steps have you taken so far to address this issue with your landlady?

In Florida:
- Notify the landlord in writing about the issue.
- Allow reasonable time for repair.
I KEPT HER INFORMED COMPLAINING IF NATURE CALLS, I MUST BE ABLE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM AT ANY TIME. IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE FOR ME. SHE JUST DOES NOT WANT TO PAY THE PLUMBER'S BILLS & WANTS ME TO PAY THEM. I HAVE KEPT HER UP TO DATE & PAID FULL RENT ON TIME. SHE CLAIMS NOW THAT I AM PUTTING THINGS IN THE TOILET, WHEN ALL I WANT IS PEACE, NONE OF HER RENTED APT TO ME WITH PROBLEMS, JUST PEACE. CAN YOU GET ME A FREE LEGAL AIDE OR PRO BONO REPRESENTATION?
Have you sent a written notice to your landlady about the plumbing issue?

In Florida:
- Written notice is required for repair requests.
- Legal Aid Society of Brevard County may provide free legal help. Contact: (*) *-*.
YES, MANY, MANY TIMES & BY PHONE AS WELL.
What was her response to your written notices? In Florida, if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or "repair and deduct".
SHE "ASSUMES" I AM TO BLAME AND "ASSUMES" I AM PUTTING STUFF IN TOILET. THAT'S PREPOSTEROUS. I AM A MILITARY WIDOW WHEN MY HUSBAND DIED & NEVER BROUGHT UP TO DO SOMETHING LIKE SHE CLAIMS AS IT WOULD ONLY HURT ME MORE THAN IT HAS FOR A LONG TIME!!
Have you considered contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for assistance with your landlord dispute?
NO, BUT I WILL. GOOD AFTERNOON.
What is the condition of the other facilities in your apartment?