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Lisa1414 · Dec 31, 2009, 10:58 AM

Saw an ad 11/2009 on FortLauderdale Craigslist "Studio 4 Rent-includes all utilities, large yard, all pets ok, w/d,small stove-landlord willing to work with all rental situations!"
Told this landlord upfront I was in between jobs after being laid off in June 2009, have -supposed to m/i to studio on 12/1/9. On 12/1/9 get a call from landlord-"studio empty-ok to m/i since he doesn't have the keys I will have to purchase new deadbolt and change the lock when I get there. I bring the moving truck with all my belongings to m/i and last tenant(who works for landlord) says "he refuses to move out!"-I call the landlord from the property and he tells me "I need to pay an additional $200 so current tenant can get a room for the week, and I need to get boxes and help him move all his crap out to the carport... neverless, I helped this guy pack up and move all his crap to the carport so my stuff could move in since I already turned in the keys on my last place. Landlord said "only way I can get in immediately is if I agreed to allow me to pay my first month's rent (Dec09) $550 + $200 on Jan, 15 2010 since my new job starts on 1/4/2010. I have been in constant contact with this guy. Stove is is filthy-can't use, no hot water 1 week prior to water being shut off on 12/28/9, back yard infested with ticks from last tennant's dogs
12/27/9 -text msg from landlord is demanding for some type collateral value since now he can't wait and his bills are piling up.
12/31/9-this morning I rcvd 2 more text msgs landlord writes-"I need for you to move out asap, I trusted you and you took advantage of my kindness!"-& landlord writes-"my last warning!"
Went to legal aide this morning -"closed until Monday"
This landlord is a 25 y.o. psycho-help!

twinkiedooter · Dec 31, 2009, 11:14 AM

I lived in Broward County for 25 years but moved away over 10 years ago. I was a landlord there as well.

Just texting you that you have to move is not sufficient legal notice. The landlord must give you the proper paperwork either in person or tacking to your door. Then the landlord must take you before a Judge for an eviction. It's not legal to turn off the water either.

The landlord must follow the legal eviction process. They can't lock you out either without getting a signed eviction order from a Judge. Apparently the landlord does not know the law in Florida regarding rental properties.

Lisa1414 · Dec 31, 2009, 11:17 AM

Ok-thank you! What do you make of his last text to me "-"this is your last warning!"

Lisa1414 · Dec 31, 2009, 11:18 AM

Should I text anything to him to calm his psychotic tendacies I'm afraid to leave my pets there alone when I have to go to work.

ScottGem · Dec 31, 2009, 11:27 AM

You don't text him, you send him a certified letter stating that under Florida law, it is illegal to cut off the water. Also that if he wants you out, he has to follow Florida law for eviction.

The next question is, did you sign any sort of lease with this person? If so, for how long?

Lisa1414 · Dec 31, 2009, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

You don't text him, you send him a certified letter stating that under Florida law, it is illegal to cut off the water. Also that if he wants you out, he has to follow florida law for eviction.

The next question is, did you sign any sort of lease with this person? If so, for how long?

No

Lisa1414 · Dec 31, 2009, 12:29 PM

No

ScottGem · Dec 31, 2009, 12:42 PM

With no lease, you are a periodic (month to month) tenant. Unfortunately, Florida allows for a 14 day notice of termination for periodic tenants.

So, the landlord can give you written notice to vacate after 14 daysl.