Seffner, FL asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida

Q: What are my rights?

Since June I have dealt with contacting code enforcement to have them demand repairs (HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE MOVED IN), my landlord is trying to force me to pay a pet deposit on my ESA pet(FHA SAYS ESA'S ARE EXEMPT), I pay rent weekly (IT IS NOT A WEEK TO WEEK LEASE, THE LEASE STATES ANNUAL LEASE AGREEMENT) and she states it is only accepted Friday 4pm-8pm or Saturday 9am-12pm and if not paid during those hours we are charged $10 after 12pm Saturday and then $5 for every day after including a day that she is closed and refuses to accept rent, Both my husband and I are listed on the lease however, she had us sign 2 different ones and now (THE LANDLORD) can only locate the one that I have signed even though I am not the one employed, I suffer from chronic major depression and adjustment disorder and have 2 young children and I am currently pregnant and this stress has caused me to start therapy again so I would like to know what rights I have as a tenant and how do I exercise them?

1 Lawyer Answer
Richard Paul Zaretsky
Richard Paul Zaretsky
Answered
  • West Palm Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Are these new demands or has this been the case since you started the lease?

Also, Since this seems to be a week to week lease, the rules of the landlord could be changed with one week notice. If you don't like the rules, you should make the decision to live with them or move.

As for the dog, service animals cannot be precluded, but that does not exempt the animal from any reasonable rules and fees relating to animals.

As for the lost lease - be more careful next time. As part of your therapy discuss with your counselor ways to become more organized - and thus reduce your stress. With more children coming you can use all the help and organization you can get!

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