QUESTION
Do I have to pay for both rent and alternative lodging while landlord takes care of a previously unpaid water bill.
Asked on Nov 17th, 2023 on Contracts - Florida
More details to this question:
I waited 6 weeks to be approved to lease a property. On move in day I realized there was no running water because the existing water bill was not paid by lessor. I had to pay for lodging for another 10 days while the Lessor cleared the account for me to set up my own account. The Lessor refused to give me a credit for the 10 days I had to pay for lodging, claiming once the lease starts I had an obligation to give written notice and allow 7 days to remedy. However I thought that applied to repairs. It is my understanding that the Lessor warrants the property to ready to rent at inception. I don't understand why I should be required to pay rent and lodging.
1 ANSWER
Consumer Debt Collector Harassment & Abuse Attorney serving Tampa, FL
Partner at
Tischhauser Law Group
2 Awards
You are both right - sort of. While the LL is right about the 7 day letter, the LL also cannot interfere with a utility service and would be obligated for 3x monthly rent for doing so if you are able to prove that the utility provider would not let you get the water established in your name at move in.
Answered on Nov 22nd, 2023 at 11:40 AM
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