Tenant Law in Florida
The relationship between a landlord and tenant in Lakeland, Florida can sometimes be a touchy one. Landlords and tenants are not always clear on their respective rights and responsibilities.
Landlords and tenants have to navigate a web of legal rights and obligations. It's essential that the parties to a landlord/tenant relationship know what obligations they have to one another.
Landlord's Rights in Lakeland, FL
The most important and most obvious right that a landlord has is the right to timely payment of rent from the tenant. This, of course, means that the tenant has a duty to pay rent.
Landlords also have a right to be free from damage to the rented unit. Tenants are expected not to damage their dwellings, intentionally or negligently. Landlords can deduct the cost of repairs from the tenant's security deposit. In general, tenants are not accountable for damage resulting from ordinary wear and tear.
Tenant's Rights in Lakeland, FL
Much like landlords have a right to get paid for the service they provide, tenants have a right to get what they pay for: a suitable place to live. In Lakeland, Florida, all residential rental agreements carry an "implied warranty of habitability." This means that a landlord implicitly guarantees that any residence he or she rents will be fit for human habitation. In general, an unit will be automatically deemed uninhabitable if it lacks running water, electricity, heat, and adequate protection from the elements. There are many more factors that can be considered, as well, but those are some of the basics.
Additionally, tenants are entitled to common areas that are reasonable safe and sanitary. The common areas of an apartment building would include lobbies, laundry rooms, stairwells, hallways, and fire escapes (basically, any part of the building which all of the tenants can access). In Lakeland, Florida, these areas must be kept reasonably clean and safe.
A tenant also has a right, under federal law and the laws of Florida to be free from discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, or gender. Landlords can further not discriminate against persons with disabilities, and must make reasonable accommodations for those disabilities.
Finally, the laws of most states protect tenants from unfair eviction. In general, as long as a tenant is paying rent on time, and is not damaging the unit, they cannot be evicted before the term of the lease expires, unless there is a very good reason to do so (such as excessive noise caused by the tenant, or illegal activities in the apartment).
Can a Lakeland, Florida Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?
Tenants and landlords always want to avoid getting into any serious disputes - these disputes interfere with the tenant's living arrangement, and the landlord's business. In short, they help nobody. While a good Lakeland, Florida attorney can certainly help his or her client prevail in such a dispute, they may be more valuable for their ability to help prevent such disputes from escalating in the first place.
Great Lawyer would recommend anytime.
Was very good at his job and helped me get what I needed.
Nick Muller was very helpful to me about my case. He understood what I needed and he was very quick to get the job done. I am very grateful for his help
Nick responded immediately every time that I contacted him. I wasn't sure who to call and I decided to give Legal Match a try. I couldn't be happier with the results. Nick's knowledge, honesty and calm demeanor reassured me each step of the way. Hopefully I won't need a lawyer again, but if I do I won't hesitate to call Nick again.
Nick has been so great. My past experience with attorneys have never actually been enjoyable, but Nick was kind and understanding from our very first conversation which he consulted for free. He kept me updated constantly and had my case settled within the week of us speaking. THANK YOU, Nick for being so kind and fair.
Nick G. Muller responded to my LegalMatch request within a few hours after I posted it. He was extremely knowledgeable in the area I needed legal representation in. He explained everything to me in terms which I understood, and was very clear about what his plan of course was and the outcomes that could possibly follow. Nick only charged me for one hour of work; despite the fact that due to some technology issues (with scanning and faxing on my end) he spent more than an hour with me. Nick worked with me on a time sensitive case over the weekend; a time that most law offices would be closed. Nick stayed in great contact with me, and made me feel confident in the outcome of my case! I would use Nick in the future, and I would recommend him to anyone who has needs for a real-estate attorney.
Nicholas G. Muller is a very good attorney! He really helped take a huge burden off of my shoulders so that I could rest. I highly recommend him!
Accountant
Actually, I did hire him but I basically handled my situation and got the necessary results before a contract was signed with Attorney Muller beyond the first 30 minute consultation. That said, he seemed very nice and if I would need an attorney in the area of his expertise I would contact him again. Thank you.
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thanks!
Was incredible, just who we needed to represent us with our needs.
Nicholas was very knowledgeable / Professional and knew exactly what to do. We was also very quick to handle my case. I will definitely hire him again.
Wonderful. With Nick Muller on my side, I felt safe and protected and knew I would not be taken advantage of. Thank you.
Nick assisted me with the highest level of professionalism and addressed all of my legal needs. I highly recommend him.
Can't say Thank you enough to Mr. Muller and to Legal match. Wasn't sure what to expect from this on line service, but I couldn't have found a better attorney had i looked through the phone book. Mr. Muller was very clear in what he would do for me and the outcome was better than I could have asked. Many Thanks!
Excellent in all areas. I have already recommended him to others in the area.
Nick was amazing. Not only did he take the time to fully understand our questions and needs, but he put in time outside of business hours when he really didn't have to. It's that kind of dedication that we were looking for, and for that, we are very thankful. We will definitely use Nick again of the need arises.
Nick Muller is an asset to the Legal community. Thanks for having Nick Muller on your team!
Great Lawyer that won my case for me! Nicholas was prompt, knowledgeable, and very friendly. His pricing was fair and what I expected. I would use him again.
I would absolutely hire Mr. MULLER again. He reached out instantly and his help was almost as quick. He was very affordable and after hiring him my rental nightmare ended and can now sleep again. I would highly recommend him. I seriously wanted to drive to Golden and hug him. He has followed up numerous times, but not overbearing. Superb service. Thank you again Mr. MULLER.
Mr. Mueller was absolutely wonderful to work with!! He was always quick to respond to my issues and questions about my case!! He worked expeditiously and with persistence to resolve the matter with an outcome much better than I had expected!! His kind and professional manner made it very easy to work with him again and I will absolutely use him again in the future should I have another need to retain legal services. I highly recommend him!! Thanks Nick!!
Mr. Muller did an excellent job for me and in fast timely manner, I appreciate his work.
Mr Muller contacted me quickly, answered all my questions and concerns completely and handled everything professionally and in a timely manner. I would definitely have Mr. Muller represent me again and highly recommend his services.
Nick Muller was very helpful in all phases of the negotiation and followed up with a conclusion that was more than I was hoping for. I would definitely turn to him if I needed legal representation in the future.
Nick was by far the most impressive Lawyer I have worked with. He treated me like family and was a bulldog on the issues. Couldn't have found a better lawyer to represent me.
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This was the best legal experience I've ever had and I have had many personally and professionally. Nick is excellent at digesting a great deal of information in a short period of time, acting swiftly to move the matter forward in a professional manner. He is adept at handling various personality types and view points without losing sight of the desired legal outcome. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone needing legal expertise.
He was awesome. Lots of work for a great price.
Nicholas Muller has the highest integrity,is a skillfully effective and efficient negotiator and produced the results we sought promptly.
Mr. Muller was Excellent. He took a huge burden off of my back within a very short period of time.