VICTOR D. CRIST

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE!

CLERK OF COURT & COMPTROLLER

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Landlords

Rights

• Landlords have the right to re-enter their property for justifiable cause with reasonable notice (for example, to provide necessary maintenance and repairs)

• Landlords have the right to receive agreed-upon rent

• Landlords have the right to have the premises returned to them in good condition upon the termination of the lease

Responsibilities

• Landlords are required to maintain the property and to keep it in compliance with health and building codes (for example, roof repairs for leaks and extermination treatment for pests)

• Landlords are required to keep common areas clean and safe (for example, remove trash, cut grass, fix unsafe walkways)

• Landlords are required to provide functional facilities (for example, whether or not a tenant pays for electricity, the electrical system and electric meter have to be in working condition, the water pipes should not leak) -- landlords cannot turn off utilities for non-payment of rent even if the landlord pays for those utilities (NOTE: air conditioning and hot water are not a requirement for a functional facility in Florida)

Tenants

Rights

• Tenants have a right to fair treatment (for example, if a landlord allows or does something for another tenant, but doesn't allow you to do or have the same thing, or discriminates against you).

• Tenants have the right to peaceful use of and enjoyment of the rental premises (for example, you have a right for your apartment complex to be quiet after 10PM so you can sleep, or to not have criminal elements frequent the premises).

• Tenants have the right to live in a habitable residence (for example, you have the right to have utilities that are in working order regardless of who is responsible for paying for them, a roof that doesn't leak, broken windows that are fixed in a timely manner). NOTE: There is no requirement in Florida for landlords to provide working air conditioning or hot water. Landlords cannot shut off your electric or water utilities, even if they are the one paying for them, while you are living in the premises.

Responsibilities

• Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property (for example, tenants should not cause damage that is not normal wear and tear, and tenants should report any maintenance issues in a timely manner so damage doesn't get worse).

• Tenants must not disturb the neighbors or bring criminal elements onto their property.

• Tenants must pay rent in full on time.