Miami, FL asked in Landlord - Tenant for Florida

Q: Could I sue my landlord for illegally removing my property changing locks and cutting off power without an eviction not?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
Answered
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: The landlord is required to give you a notice that meets statutory requirements to pay the rent or vacate the premises. A notice that fails to meet the statutory requirement is a problem for the landlord. Not giving you any notice is worse. Changing the locks and cutting off the power is specifically prohibited, but generally only when you have a lease or an agreement to pay rent. It would seem that you have a cause of action against your landlord. The very first thing you need to do is hire an attorney in our town to give you a professional opinion about your case after he or she reviews all the facts and your lease. Landlord/tenant lawsuits are not something that is a DIY project.

Bruce Alexander Minnick agrees with this answer

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