Ending Homelessness in Florida's Big Bend
Ending Homelessness in Florida's Big Bend
Home
Renter’s Resources
Whether you’re new to renting or facing a tough situation, understanding your rights can make all the difference. This page is here to guide you with simple, reliable information—and connect you to the resources you need to stay housed and move forward.
Understanding your rights can help you prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Below are real-life questions renters often face—and clear answers you can use right away.
Not yet. A 3-day notice means you are behind on rent, and your landlord is giving you a short period (excluding weekends and holidays) to pay or move out before they can file an eviction case.
If you can pay the full rent owed within that time, they must accept it.
📥 Helpful Resource:
Eviction Laws and What You Need To Know (PDF)
Learn about the full eviction timeline and your options for responding.
No. In Florida, landlords must follow the legal eviction process. They cannot change your locks, shut off utilities, remove your belongings, or physically force you out without a court order.
📥 Helpful Resource:
Rental Housing Rights & Responsibilities Poster (PDF)
Print and keep this summary of your basic rights as a renter.
If you're a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you have special protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
You may be able to end your lease early without penalty or stop an eviction based on the abuse.
📥 Helpful Resource:
Violence Against Women Act Summary (PDF)
Learn about your rights if safety is a concern.
No. If you have a disability and need a service animal or emotional support animal, you can request a reasonable accommodation, even if the property has a "no pets" policy.
The landlord cannot charge pet fees or deny you solely because of the animal.
📥 Helpful Resource:
Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act (PDF)
Learn how to request accommodations the right way.
Usually, no.
In Florida, landlords must give you at least 12 hours’ notice before entering, and they must have a lawful reason (like repairs or inspections).
Emergency situations (like fire or flooding) are exceptions.
You may be eligible for a reasonable accommodation or an extension through the courts, depending on your circumstances.
Contact legal aid services immediately for support.
📥 Helpful Resource:
Emergency Rental Assistance Contact Sheet (PDF)
Quick access to local help and legal assistance.
Not instantly. Eviction is a process with specific notices and timelines.
What to do next:
Review the full process so you understand what notice you should have received and how long you have to respond.
See the Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish to map your current status.
If you haven’t been properly notified or the timing seems off, document everything.
If you’re struggling to cover rent, simultaneously look at emergency help—see the cross-link to Financial Assistance & Rent Support.
Don’t ignore it—identify the type of notice, understand your deadline, and act quickly.
What to do next:
Use the Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish to decode what kind of notice you received and what comes next.
If you believe the notice is wrong or premature, gather evidence (payment records, communications) and start outreach to understand options.
Reach out for help or potential temporary relief via resources listed in Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants.
Supporting docs: Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish; Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants
Yes. If the proper legal procedure wasn’t followed, you may have defenses or grounds to delay.
What to do next:
Compare what happened to the standard timeline/process using the Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish.
Document the deviation (e.g., no proper notice, incorrect service).
Contact tenant assistance (see the eviction assistance resource list) for help understanding and asserting your rights—some programs offer legal aid or mediation.
Supporting docs: Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish; Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants
Often, yes—communication can buy time and possibly prevent formal eviction if your landlord is willing.
What to do next:
Reach out immediately in writing, propose a realistic payment plan, and document the agreement.
If you need short-term relief to make that plan real, use the links in Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants to find emergency rental assistance.
Keep records of all correspondence in case the arrangement later becomes disputed.
Supporting docs: Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants (for referral to emergency aid) plus reference to the process chart for understanding how negotiation fits into timeline.
Retaliation (e.g., eviction threats after you complain about habitability) is often illegal.
What to do next:
Document your prior complaint and the landlord’s action.
Use the Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish to see if the eviction notice timing aligns suspiciously with your protected action.
Seek assistance via tenant support resources (listed in the eviction assistance document) to challenge it.
Supporting docs: Eviction Process Flow Chart Start to Finish; Eviction Assistance Websites for Tenants
Behind on rent or facing eviction? Know your timeline, rights, and immediate options before it’s too late.
Your lease is a binding agreement—know what it actually says, what’s enforceable, and what you can push back on.
Usually not—rent increases mid-lease require what's in the agreement. They can only raise rent at renewal unless your lease specifically allows it.
What to do next:
Read your lease’s term and renewal clauses.
If the landlord is trying to increase early, point out the relevant lease language in writing and decline if it violates the agreement.
If you’re unsure what the clause means, get a plain-language breakdown (see “Lease Basics” guide).
Supporting docs: Lease Basics Guide / Reading Your Lease Cheat Sheet (create if missing); copy of your actual lease.
They can set terms around rent, utilities, entry, guest policies, pets (with limits), and behavior, but not terms that violate tenant rights (e.g., discrimination or retaliation).
What to do next:
Compare your lease to the Lease Basics Guide to spot red flags or overly broad clauses.
If something seems illegal or punitive (like waiving rights), flag it and get help—don’t sign until you understand it.
Supporting docs: Lease Basics Guide / Lease Terms Explained (create if missing); any supplemental “What to Watch for in a Lease” checklist.
No. Except in emergencies, landlords usually must give notice (varies by local/state law) and enter at reasonable times.
What to do next:
Review the entry/notice clause in your lease and compare it to local tenant law (you can summarize this in the lease guide).
If your landlord enters without proper notice, document dates/times and send a written reminder of your rights.
If it continues, escalate via tenant advocacy or include it in a dispute/retaliation claim.
Supporting docs: Lease Basics Guide (with a section on landlord entry rights); local/state landlord-tenant law summary (add if not present).
Breaking a lease usually has consequences unless there’s a valid legal reason (e.g., uninhabitable conditions, military deployment, or agreed-upon mutual termination).
What to do next:
Check your lease for early termination clauses (e.g., buy-out, notice period).
Document your reason—if it’s habitability-related, tie it to repair requests.
Negotiate with the landlord for a mutual release in writing to avoid penalties.
Supporting docs: Lease Basics Guide
Tenant law typically overrides any lease provision that is illegal or unenforceable.
What to do next:
Identify the conflicting clause.
Reference the relevant statute (summarized in your rights/lease guide).
Raise it in writing and, if necessary, get support from tenant advocacy or legal aid.
Supporting docs: Lease Basics Guide / Tenant Rights Overview; summary of local/state tenant protections
Always double-check:
The total rent amount and due date
Security deposit terms (how much, when it's returned)
Lease length (month-to-month, 6 months, 12 months, etc.)
Maintenance responsibilities (who fixes what)
Rules about guests, pets, parking, and utilities
If anything is confusing or missing, ask before you sign. Once you sign, you're legally bound to the terms.
📥 Helpful Tool:
Lease Review Checklist (PDF)
Use this checklist to review your lease before signing.
You're not alone. Many leases are written in complex legal language.
Some important terms you might see:
"Joint and Several Liability" — You and your roommates are each 100% responsible for the full rent.
"As-Is" — You accept the unit in its current condition.
"Breach of Lease" — Breaking any lease rule could allow eviction.
📥 Helpful Tool:
Understanding Your Lease: Glossary & Guide (PDF)
A simple, plain-English guide to common lease terms.
Yes — it’s a smart move.
Roommate agreements help prevent conflicts later by outlining:
How rent and bills are split
Shared space rules
What happens if someone moves out early
📥 Helpful Tool:
Roommate Agreement Template (PDF)
Use this editable template to set expectations clearly from the start.
Yes — and they aren’t enforceable.
Even if you sign, the landlord cannot legally enforce lease terms that violate tenant rights laws. Examples:
"Tenant waives right to repairs"
"Landlord may enter unit at any time without notice"
"Tenant must pay penalty for reporting code violations"
If you see something shady, ask questions or get advice before signing.
Florida law requires:
Landlords must return your deposit (minus damages) within 15-30 days after move-out.
They must notify you in writing if they plan to keep part of it.
Pro Tip:
Take photos of everything when you move in and when you move out.
📥 Helpful Tools:
A lease is a legal contract — not just a formality. Before you sign, it’s critical to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
This section breaks down common renter questions about leases so you can avoid surprises later.
Finding a place to rent can feel overwhelming, especially if you're worried about credit, income, or rental history. This section breaks it down step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect.
Most landlords ask for:
A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letter, job offer letter)
Rental history (previous landlords' contact info)
References (personal or professional)
Having these ready before you apply can speed things up—and show you’re a serious renter.
📥 Helpful Tool:
Rental Application Checklist (PDF)
Use this list to gather everything you need ahead of time.
Offer proof of consistent income or savings.
Provide strong personal references (even from employers or case managers).
Write a short letter explaining your situation if needed.
📥 Helpful Tool:
Sample Tenant Resume (PDF)
A simple way to show landlords why you’ll be a great tenant—even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Landlords can legally ask about:
Your income and ability to pay rent
Your rental history
Criminal background (in some cases, but it must be related to safety/property)
They cannot ask about:
Your race, religion, national origin, disability, or family status (e.g., if you have kids)
Whether you're receiving public assistance (in some areas, this is protected)
Your immigration status (in most cases)
📥 Helpful Tool:
Fair Housing Screening Tips (PDF)
Know your rights during the screening process.
Warning signs include:
They pressure you to send money before seeing the unit.
The rent seems way below market value.
They won’t meet you in person or show you the property.
They ask for personal info (like Social Security numbers) too early.
Always visit the property in person (or via video tour) and never wire money to strangers.
📥 Helpful Tool:
Rental Scams Awareness Sheet (PDF)
Learn how to spot common rental scams and protect yourself.
Before signing anything, you should ask:
How much is the total move-in cost?
Who is responsible for maintenance?
Are utilities included?
How are repairs handled, and how long do they take?
📥 Helpful Tool:
Unit Viewing Questions Checklist (PDF)
Take this checklist with you when touring apartments.
Mold can make a unit uninhabitable. Landlords are responsible for addressing it, especially if it’s caused by structural issues or leaks.
What to do next:
Read the Guide to Mold and Moisture in your Home Tenant and Landlord to understand why it’s a health and habitability concern.
Document the mold (photos, dates), and send written notice to your landlord describing the issue and requesting repair.
If ignored, escalate to local housing authorities or seek legal/tenant advocacy support.
Supporting doc: Guide to Mold and Moisture in your Home Tenant and Landlord
Carbon monoxide is a serious safety hazard. Landlords must ensure proper detection and mitigation; you have the right to a safe environment.
What to do next:
Review the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet Tenant & Landlord to understand risks and required landlord responsibilities.
Notify the landlord in writing if detectors are missing, malfunctioning, or if there’s a suspected leak.
If the issue isn’t addressed immediately, vacate if unsafe and report it to authorities or housing/code enforcement.
Supporting doc: Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet Tenant & Landlord
Yes. Essential systems (heat in winter, plumbing, etc.) are part of habitability. If the landlord doesn’t respond to proper notice, you may have options like reporting to code enforcement or seeking other remedies.
What to do next:
Provide written notice specifying the repair needed and a reasonable cure window.
Keep a record of follow-ups and any lack of response.
If no action, contact local housing/code enforcement or tenant legal aid to enforce the repair.
You don’t have to absorb responsibility for issues caused by failure to maintain the property. Proper documentation protects you.
What to do next:
Use your original condition documentation (move-in inspection if available) to show baseline.
Reference repair history and your written requests.
If they try to charge you (e.g., via deposit deductions), lean on the Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits and escalate through dispute resolution or tenant advocacy.
Supporting docs: Move-in Inspection Form (for baseline condition); Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits (for disputing improper charges).
Your home has to be safe and livable. Don’t wait—document issues, get them fixed, and know how to escalate when landlords don’t act.
Your deposit is savings—protect it. Plan ahead, document condition, and know how to challenge unfair deductions.
Start early—document the condition, clean thoroughly, and follow best practices for move-out.
What to do next:
Use the Move-in Inspection Form to compare the original condition with the current state.
Follow the Apartment Cleaning Checklist for Move Out Day to make sure nothing is missed.
Communicate with your landlord about scheduling a final walkthrough and document that interaction.
Supporting docs: Move-in Inspection Form; Apartment Cleaning Checklist for Move Out Day
You can dispute it, especially if deductions aren’t justified or documented.
What to do next:
Gather your move-in/move-out documentation, including the inspection form.
Review allowable deductions in the Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits to see if the landlord’s reasons align.
Request a written itemized list of deductions if not provided.
If they’re unreasonable, escalate through mediation, small claims, or tenant advocacy.
Supporting docs: Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits; Move-in Inspection Form
Possibly—but it depends on your lease terms and whether you negotiate a mutual release.
What to do next:
Review your lease for early termination clauses or penalties.
Talk to your landlord as early as possible to negotiate exit terms in writing.
Document your unit’s condition (using the inspection form) to reduce disputes over damage.
If the landlord tries to keep the deposit unjustly, reference the Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits and dispute as needed.
Supporting docs: Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits; Move-in Inspection Form
Even if there’s a “no pets” policy, landlords must consider reasonable accommodations for assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act if you qualify.
What to do next:
Review how accommodations work in Assistance Animals and Fair Housing Navigating Reasonable Accommodations – Fact Sheet.
Use Assessing a Person’s Request to have an Animal As a Reasonable Accommodation under the Fair Housing Act to prepare or support your written request.
Submit the accommodation request in writing, including any required documentation, and keep a copy.
If denied without a legitimate reason, you can escalate with a complaint citing the guidance.
Supporting docs: Assistance Animals and Fair Housing Navigating Reasonable Accommodations – Fact Sheet; Assessing a Person’s Request to have an Animal As a Reasonable Accommodation under the Fair Housing Act
Reasonable modifications related to disability (ramps, grab bars, etc.) are also protected; landlords can’t unreasonably refuse.
What to do next:
Frame your request clearly in writing, specifying the modification and why it’s needed due to a disability.
If helpful, reference the logic/structure from the accommodation guidance documents to explain the process of evaluating such requests.
If the landlord resists, ask for their written rationale; unreasonable denials can be challenged through Fair Housing channels.
Supporting docs: Assistance Animals and Fair Housing Navigating Reasonable Accommodations – Fact Sheet;
Disability-related needs are protected. Don’t let policy or confusion block what you’re entitled to.
Conflict doesn’t have to end in court or eviction. Know your options—and don’t let asserting your rights backfire.
Yes. Start with clear documentation and try informal resolution; mediation or tenant advocacy can help before escalation.
What to do next:
Pull your baseline condition evidence using the Move-in Inspection Form.
Compare alleged damage to that baseline and review what’s reasonable in the Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits.
Request a mediated conversation or use any available local mediation program (consider adding a “Local Mediation Resources” mini-sheet).
If resolution stalls, escalate formally with documentation in hand.
Supporting docs: Move-in Inspection Form; Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits
Retaliation for asserting your rights (like requesting repairs or complaining about violations) is usually illegal.
What to do next:
Document your original complaint and the subsequent retaliatory behavior (notice, threats, rent increase, eviction attempt, etc.).
Reference your rights—ideally using a Retaliation & Tenant Protection summary (see enhancement note).
Seek support from tenant advocacy or legal aid to formally challenge the retaliation.
Supporting docs: Move-in Inspection Form (for context of original conditions); Landlord and Tenant Guide to Security Deposits (if deposit threats are involved).
Keep everything in writing, timestamped, and framed clearly. Ambiguity favors the documented tenant.
What to do next:
Follow up verbal conversations with concise written summaries (email or letter) and ask for acknowledgment.
Use the inspection form or prior notices as reference points to show continuity.
If you’re trying to negotiate a fix or dispute, propose a simple written agreement (even an email) to lock in terms.
If communication breaks down, escalate to mediation or formal complaint with all prior correspondence compiled.
Supporting docs: Move-in Inspection Form (as baseline/reference);
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship or a substitute for consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant advocacy organization about your specific situation. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time; you should verify current local, state, and federal rules before acting. Reference to any resource, program, or organization does not constitute an endorsement. If you are facing eviction, habitability issues, discrimination, or other housing-related disputes, seek professional legal assistance or contact a local tenant rights group promptly.