Legal Risks of Being a Residential Real Estate Landlord in Florida

In Florida, there are a number of legal hazards you could encounter as a landlord of residential property. A few of the most frequent legal dangers that landlords may experience are as follows:

Discrimination: It is forbidden to treat tenants unfairly on the grounds of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial situation, or disability.

Breach of contract: The tenant may be able to sue you if you don't carry out your responsibilities as a landlord under the lease agreement, like completing required repairs or keeping the property in a safe and livable condition.

Personal injury: If a tenant sustains an injury while on the property as a result of the landlord's carelessness, the landlord may be held responsible.

Wrongful eviction: A landlord is not permitted to evict a tenant without a valid reason and after taking the required legal steps. A tenant who has been unlawfully evicted by a landlord may be entitled to compensation.

Security deposit disputes: The management and repayment of security deposits are governed by specific rules in Florida, and landlords who violate these laws risk being sued by their tenants.

Landlords should become knowledgeable about Florida law and take precautions to safeguard themselves from potential legal dangers. This can entail hiring a knowledgeable real estate lawyer, conducting extensive tenant screenings, and keeping meticulous records of all communications and dealings with the rental property.