Withholding rent in Florida

[Melissa Neil]

Hi there. I am pretty new to property management and have had a run of problems with a specific tenant recently. I am the owner of the property. 

I was notified that there was water damage and mold growth in the master bathroom and kitchen (behind stove).  I had the home inspected within days and started the mold remediation as recommended. Unfortunately, this involved removing the bathroom cabinets and two kitchen cabinets. The remediation has been done for about 4 weeks but the cabinets had to be ordered and built so the job is not quite finished. The kitchen was completed today and while updating the tenants  boyfriend I was asked about reduced rent. He then told me that he would not be paying full tent. This is a 3 BR 2 BR single Family home. They were asked to leave for one night and a hotel was provided (during the remediation) last month and have had use of the kitchen minus two cabinets the entire time. The bathtub and toilet in the master bathroom has always been usable as well. I did explain that these repairs are certainly an inconvenience but not a reason to withhold rent. 

When this began approx 6 weeks ago they were offered a break of the lease without penalty and declined. It was also explained that the process could take some time but would happen as fast as possible. The cabinets having to be built instead of  using stock were the major delay in finishing the work. We are in Florida. Any advice? I feel as is I have done everything that could have been done. The repairs were addressed  right away and they have been updated on the timeline throughout. Still they are not pleased. 

Mel~