The firm handles a variety of landlord/tenant matters by helping our clients achieve a quick and efficient resolution of whatever issues confront them. We cover many areas, including commercial, residential, mobile home park and governmental leases and tenancies.

Landlord-tenant law governs the rental of commercial and residential property. It is composed primarily of state statutory and common law, although Federal statutory law may be a factor in times of national or regional emergencies and in preventing certain forms of discrimination.

Generally, the tenant has a property interest in the land for a period of time. The landlord-tenant agreement, or lease, may eliminate or limit the rights in the relationship. The provisions contained in a lease are regulated by Florida Statutes.

Unless the lease or rental agreement states otherwise, the tenant has a duty to pay rent. Florida Statutes allow a landlord to quickly evict a tenant who breaches this or other tenant duties set out in either Florida Statutes or the lease.  Self-help as a method of eviction, such as cutting of utilities to the rental property, is restricted and can lead to penalties against the landlord.  Landlords are also restricted from evicting tenants in retaliation of action the tenant took in regards to enforcing a provision of the lease or applicable law. Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing and the rental market.

ARTHUR U. GRAHAM

        E-Mail Address: agraham@landispa.com

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