All Forum Posts by: James DeRoest

Completely off topic, but we used to run motoring events, and we were asked the following question a more than a few times: "Do you pay our speeding fines?" 

Sounds quite reasonable, especially the last part - stops landlords burning applications fees trying to get the very best person. Take the first person who meets your qualifications and stop spending applicants money for no reason.

Put a lockbox with spare key on their door handle.

Put the telephone number of a locksmith on the box as well, for when they don't put the spare key back.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/eviction-notices-nonpayment-rent-florida.html

Florida 3 day notice on the door today, tape over the door knob, take a photo. File with the court on Friday. Make sure it's filled out correctly.

They are simply putting the deposit against a month.

Now, when they phone up to complain after seeing the notice, tell them that court costs will be added, so by Friday they already owe you more money than you currently hold. Not to mention your late fees etc.

I asked this to someone on BP privately and it seems to be a common misconception, oft repeated that you can't charge your own time.

You can charge your time but make sure it's reasonable. In the event it went to court (eg return of deposit or a judgement) make sure your time is itemised.

 I'm very interested to see that in the Statutes.

Please post.

If it's true, we'll certainly update our lease and procedures.

In Florida you only have to legally cover heat and not cooling.

2)

I really would get the advice of another attorney.

No proper notice has been given. The photo above shows a rust stain, not mold. Rent is now overdue so this isn't retaliatory action as the correct notices have not been filed.

You might want to get an attorney to represent you in court to make clear the fact that correct notice has not been given. 

Now a judge can more or less do what they want, but with correct representation, their options are somewhat limited.

I'm a beady eye s-o-b so I wouldn't want her missing rent to be paying for a lawyer, I would want her mind front and center on the fact she might be homeless in a couple of weeks and that the $850 is for another property.

Superb! 3 day notice to quit the property then! (still check with your lawyer though).

If you are not in receipt of a certified letter stating why payment was not made (eg unhealthy living conditions), then BOOM - failure to pay rent. 

No one has given you the report anyway - "did you give the landlord the report?" "no, we tried to charge him for it". "WTF?".