Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Palm Harbor

Find the right Tenant attorney in Palm Harbor, FL

Tenant Law in Florida

The relationship between a landlord and tenant in Palm Harbor, 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 Palm Harbor, FL

The most important and most apparent 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.

Additionally, landlords can bill the tenant for any damage they cause to the unit, whether it was intentional or negligent. The costs of repairs for such damage can be deducted from a tenant's security deposit, but it should be noted that tenants aren't accountable for normal wear and tear, over which they have little control.

Tenant's Rights in Palm Harbor, 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 Palm Harbor, 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.

In addition to habitable living spaces, tenants also have a right to reasonably safe common areas. Common areas include lobbies, hallways, and stairwells - basically anything that everyone living in an apartment complex has access to. These common areas must meet the building standards of Palm Harbor, Florida, and must not contain any unnecessary safety hazards.

Under federal and Florida law, tenants are also entitled to protection against discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, marital status, or gender. Such discrimination can lead to severe civil penalties against the landlord. Landlords further cannot discriminate against tenants based on physical disability, and have to make reasonable accommodations for physically disabled tenants. For example, they have to allow disabled tenants to make minor physical alterations to the unit (at the tenant's expense) to make it more accessible. Now, they don't need to allow the tenants to have the building remodeled. We're just talking about things like installing handrails in the bathroom, and similar things. The landlord can, however, require tenants to restore the apartment to its original condition, at the tenant's expense, once the tenant leaves.

Tenants are also legally protected from unfair eviction. Before a lease agreement expires, landlords cannot evict tenants unless they breach as significant term of the agreement by not paying rent, causing serious damage to the property, engaging in activities that are a nuisance to the other tenants, or engaging in illegal activity on the property, among other things.

Can a Palm Harbor, Florida Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, chances are that you want to avoid conflict. But if you do end up in a seemingly irresolvable conflict with the other party, a Palm Harbor, Florida attorney can help you protect your rights.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor, Florida is an unincorporated community in Pinellas County. It has a population of about 60,000 people, as of the 2000 Census. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Palm Harbor, Florida is mostly a residential community, but it has several commercial districts, where most of the businesses are located. Each one of these districts has its own unique character. These business districts are fairly pedestrian-friendly, and boast several unique, locally-owned restaurants and retailers, as well as a handful of historic buildings. Palm Harbor is also known for its hilly geography, which is fairly uncommon in relatively flat Florida.

Palm Harbor is a popular tourist destination, owing to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Its warm, subtropical climate makes it popular among residents who prefer that kind of weather, particularly retirees.

If you live in Palm Harbor, Florida, and find yourself in need of legal advice or services, chances are you'll be able to find what you need in the area. Palm Harbor, Florida lawyers practice in a wide variety of legal areas. If you need legal help, a Palm Harbor, Florida attorney is the person to call.

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