Ask Me Help Desk - Rental repairs

Rental repairs

My 90-year-old mother lives in a rental house in Lee County. The landlord does very little to maintain the house and now the roof is leaking badly. He has just told her that he does not intend to repair it, and if it "comes down," she will have to move out. He told her that he got an estimate for $25,000 to repair it, which seems exhorbitant to me for a one-bedroom cottage, but I expect the framing has to be replaced in some areas.

She has a yearly lease and is concerned that if she has to move out, the landlord will press her to continue making payments to the end of the year. Surely not!

My question is this: Is there a code in FL that requires the landlord to maintain a house in a safe, habitable condition? I live out of state and don't know the law there. If so, who would she contact in Lee County?

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinchmtn

My 90-year-old mother lives in a rental house in Lee County. The landlord does very little to maintain the house and now the roof is leaking badly. He has just told her that he does not intend to repair it, and if it "comes down," she will have to move out. He told her that he got an estimate for $25,000 to repair it, which seems exhorbitant to me for a one-bedroom cottage, but I expect the framing has to be replaced in some areas.

She has a yearly lease and is concerned that if she has to move out, the landlord will press her to continue making payments to the end of the year. Surely not!

My question is this: Is there a code in FL that requires the landlord to maintain a house in a safe, habitable condition? I live out of state and don't know the law there. If so, who would she contact in Lee County?

I don't live in Florida, but I'll bet you that there IS such an organization. You can try calling the local county office and ask for "Landlord-Tenant" affairs or some such. A quick phone call to the local officials on Monday will probably answer more of your questions, and give you more accurate information as well.

Best wishes to you and your mum.

Florida, especially, has elder care laws. I would suggest contacting them for help. A leaky roof is an unihabitable premises. She can report it to the local building dept. They will inspect and cite the landlord. He may decide to let the property go, in which case he has broekn the lease and she will be free to move.

But she needs to have the unihapitable conditions documented.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frdbrkl

I don't live in Florida, but I'll bet you that there IS such an organization. You can try calling the local county office and ask for "Landlord-Tenant" affairs or some such. A quick phone call to the local officials on Monday will probably answer more of your questions, and give you more accurate information as well.

Best wishes to you and your mum.

Thanks, I'll try this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Florida, especially, has elder care laws. I would suggest contacting them for help. A leaky roof is an unihabitable premises. She can report it to the local building dept. They will inspect and cite the landlord. He may decide to let the property go, in which case he has broekn the lease and she will be free to move.

But she needs to have the unihapitable conditions documented.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll let you know what happens.

I am not sure they can make him "repair it" but could condem it, and force him to either repair it, or tear it down. ( or he may sell it)

If the house is not livable, then she should be able to break the lease. And be able to move.

He has told her that he will not repair it. I think he doesn't really care if she moves out or not. After she's gone, he will probably tear it down.

Have her ask him if he will let her out of the lease. If he agrees get it in writing.

"After she's gone, he will probably tear it down." maybe that is what he really wants. Ask him if he'd like her to move out, he may have a plan to develop the proeprty and is just waiting for her lease to expire.