Can the new Office of Tenant Services in Orlando keep renters from being evicted?

Florida – March 1, 2023

Orange County officially opened its new Office of Tenant Services Wednesday, the same day that the county’s new Tenant’s Bill of Rights took effect. The new office is responsible for enforcing that bill of rights, as well as a rental notice ordinance that took effect last August.  While the office cannot directly keep renters from eviction, they can offer residents  referrals to legal assistance and financial support options available to them, as well as educating them on tenant rights and owner violations.

• The goal of the Office of Tenant Services is to provide information and resources for landlords and tenants facing challenges. The office can also investigate complaints and enforce the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance and the Rental Notices Ordinance.
• The Tenant Bill of Rights ordinance was enacted to inform tenants of their rights and to  protections to residential tenants in unincorporated Orange County, including protection from discrimination and unlawful practices. Rental properties located within Orange County’s 13 municipalities are not covered by this ordinance.

The average rent Orlando Florida updated March 5, 2023, revealed average apartment costs between $1,793 and $2,191 where a studio apartment can cost on average $1,840.  Renters’ rights are being infringed upon by the volatile seller’s market in Florida resulting in low inventory exacerbating tenant concerns over eviction with few affordable housing alternatives.  Experienced real estate attorneys can assist individuals with questions and actions to maintain stability for both a renter and a property owner.

Landlord v. tenant.

 Florida landlord and tenant law is at the foundation of many real estate transactions, including eviction, lease signing, and subletting. Landlords must maintain and repair property and any amenities provided at the property in a timely manner in Florida that time is 7 days of written notice by a tenant.  If repairs are not made, tenants may withhold rent or deduct costs from the next month’s rent.  If a property owner is using these tactics to get a tenant to leave, the tenant must remember they have legal rights through their rental agreement which is a contract.  Even though it may be difficult to prove the possible unethical behavior of property owner or real estate agent acting on their behalf, real estate lawyers can file actions against eviction in court for tenants facing homelessness in Florida.

Buying rental properties.

Some owners will look for a buyer who will welcome the idea of buying with tenants in place.  The hopes that the new owner will honor existing leases and make the transition smooth for the tenant has become slim in Florida but open communications and protections from renters bill of rights may help.

Month-to-Month vs. Lease.

Florida law varies depending on if the tenant is “month to month” or currently under a lease agreement. If the tenancy is from month to month, a landlord may not terminate it by giving less than 15-days’ notice (see Section 83.57 of Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act).  It is best to seek legal counsel with a Florida real estate attorney who can act on a tenant’s behalf and communicate necessary information to a property owner, whether one that is selling or buying the property where the tenant is concerned about eviction. Talk to a real estate attorney about remedies and viable courses of action toward compensation for financial losses caused by unethical or negligent activities including nondisclosure of property sales that would impact a tenant’s rights.

Hire a real estate lawyer.

Experienced Florida real estate attorneys can review lease agreements, and identify the language that will support a renter’s rights against unethical or illegal practices toward eviction.  They may be able to direct residents to county resources that may assist renters against eviction.

Legal Counsel, P.A.

189 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 1800
Orlando, Florida  32801

Phone: 407-982-4321

Sources.

1. Rental Market Trends & Average Rent in Orlando, FL | Rent.
2. https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/03/01/orange-county-opens-new-office-of-tenant-services
3. Rental notice ordinance helps some tenants stay housed (mynews13.com)http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html
4. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.57.html