There are many times when a tenant causes a problem for a landlord, but rarely do the problems get any worse than a tenant who is not paying their rent. The non-paying tenant often is much more of a liability than just the rent they are not paying. A non-paying tenant often wants to minimize their contact with the landlord so they are less likely to inform the landlord of dangers that develop on the property or parts of the property that require maintenance. We have seen tenants purposely destroy property only to call city codes to complain of unsafe conditions. The non-paying tenant is also more like to not have the proper utilities connected to the property and this causes many safety concerns as well as potential dangers to the property itself (i.e. a tenant might be using candles at night or back flowing water from another property).
The dangers involved with a non-paying tenant are real and imminent. This is why it is so important to not let your tenant fall behind on the rent as this typically leads to a worsening situation. Florida Statute §83.56(3) dictates the procedures a landlord most take in order to properly terminate a written or oral lease agreement. Compliance with this statute is mandatory. Once a landlord has properly terminated the rental agreement an eviction can be filed.
If you are a Florida landlord who would like to retain us to file an eviction please request to register with us first. Once you are registered you will be given a unique login to our member's area that will allow you to immediately process evictions online 24/7. We also provide landlords with online access to their eviction file so that they can check the status at any time and leave comments or requests for the file lawyer. We strive to provide you with convenient access, transparent pricing, and reliable representation. If you prefer to register over the phone, or just chat with the attorney, you can contact us toll-free at 855-529-7256.
Register as a Landlord Today Call Us 855-529-7256
The second most common problem landlords face are tenants who just don't want to comply with the lease or other reasonable rules and regulations. These often include tenants who steal water or electricity, tenants who are loud, tenants who destroy property, or tenants who commit crimes on the property.
Florida Statute §83.56(2) advises how a landlord is able to terminate a rental agreement for non-rent based noncompliances. There are two routes that a landlord can take , the route that gives the tenant a cure period (i.e. tenant is parking on the grass, or tenant is disrupting other tenants), and the route that gives the tenant no opportunity to cure (i.e. intentional destruction of property). Once a landlord has property terminated the lease an eviction can be filed.
Landlords, the legislature has made it abundantly clear that you are not to engage in self-help tactics. Do not remove doors or threaten tenants, do not impersonate an officer, and do not change the locks! An eviction must be filed unless the property is abandoned (make sure you KNOW it is abandoned) or the property is surrendered. Evictions are quick and not very costly. One "self-help" mistake could cost you or the property owner thousands.
Evictions are usually very fast and are not very costly. It is best not to let a tenant live without paying rent in hopes that rent will soon be paid. Most landlords learn early that a non-paying or non-compliant tenant costs more for every day they remain in the property.
