Q: Can a landlord in Florida shut off your electric for any reason?
I live in an RV resort in a Park Model and the electric box is just outside the house in an electric box with a main switch. I sub-lease the Park Model and my landlord isn't paying the bill after I give him the money for the RV Park turned off the electric and put two locks on the box. This is illegal right? I want to know if I can cut the locks or reach up in the box and turn the power back of without getting arrested.
A: In Florida the term "Self Help" is prohibited. It refers to extra-judicial steps a landlord may take in an effort at chasing off unwanted tenants. If your landlord deliberately stopped paying the bill in order to chase you off from the leased premises this may be considered "self help" and expose your landlord to monetary liability in court. Furthermore, the RV Park may press charges against you should you attempt to cut the locks or reach up to the box to obtain what would be stolen electricity. I would strongly suggest against you taking such action. Contact your landlord and learn why the electricity has been turned off. Demand in writing that he or she restore the power within a reasonable amount of time. If not, you may be a party to a constructive eviction and vacate the premises without further responsibility towards rent. This may also be actionable in court against the landlord. Good luck and hope this helps.
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