If you’re facing an eviction in Florida, you’re not alone. It can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but there are steps you can take to stop or delay the process.
The first thing you should do is review your lease agreement to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant.
If you’re behind on rent, try to negotiate with your landlord to come up with a payment plan. You may also be able to get assistance from government programs or non-profit organizations.
If your landlord has already started the eviction process, you can file an answer with the court to dispute the eviction or request a hearing to explain your situation.
As a tenant in Florida, you have certain legal rights and defenses against eviction. Your landlord can only evict you for valid grounds, such as lease violation, nonpayment of rent, or failure to comply with a notice to quit.
However, you can defend yourself against eviction by showing that the landlord’s claims are false or that you have a valid defense, such as withholding rent due to the landlord’s failure to make necessary repairs.
Procedures for Delaying Eviction
If you receive a notice to quit or a seven-day notice to cure, you may be able to delay the eviction process by seeking legal assistance or resources. You can also request mediation or a payment plan to resolve the issue with your landlord.
If you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay will be issued, which can temporarily stop the eviction process. You can also appeal an eviction order or request a continuance to delay the eviction.
Seeking Legal Assistance and Resources
If you are facing eviction, it is important to seek legal assistance and resources to protect your rights and defend yourself against the eviction. You can seek legal representation from a lawyer or Florida Legal Services, or get referrals from LawHelp.org.
You may also be eligible for emergency rental assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to help you pay rent and avoid eviction. Remember, you have rights as a tenant, and you have the right to fight an eviction and defend yourself in court.
Disclosure: The content herein isn’t a substitute for advice from a professional attorney. It’s only meant to serve educational purposes. If you have a specific question, kindly seek expert attorney services.
Hi, I’m Kelvin Nielsen, an experienced landlord and accomplished real estate lawyer. My focus is on answering your questions about renting in the hopes of making your life as a renter or a landlord a bit easier.
