How long does my landlord have to make a repair after I notify them in writing?

Under Florida Statute 83.51, once you send a written notice describing the problem, your landlord has 7 days to make the repair. If they fail to do so within that period, you can terminate the lease, withhold rent, or request a rent reduction.

Can I stop paying rent if my landlord does not make repairs?

You can withhold rent, but you should NEVER stop paying it without following the correct legal procedure, as you could be evicted. You must first send a written notice and wait the 7 days required by law before taking any action.

What can I do if there is an emergency in my apartment, such as losing water or electricity?

In case of an emergency, call your landlord immediately; if they do not respond within 24 hours, you can hire a professional to fix the problem. Make sure to keep all receipts, as you can deduct them from your rent.

What to do if your landlord will not make repairs in Florida

Your landlord must keep the property habitable

In Florida, Statute 83.51 requires the landlord to keep the property in habitable condition. When they fail to comply, you have specific legal rights.

The 7-day process

Florida has a unique procedure:

1. Send a written notice to the landlord describing the problem

2. The landlord has 7 days to make the repair

3. If they do not repair within 7 days, you can:

- Terminate the lease and move out
- Withhold rent until the repair is made
- Request a rent reduction

Emergency repairs

If the problem is an emergency (no water, no electricity, flooding):

Call the landlord immediately

If they do not respond within 24 hours, you can call a professional

Keep all receipts to deduct them from the rent

How to document the problem

Take dated photos of the damage

Keep copies of all messages and emails to the landlord

Ask a neighbor or friend to be a witness

Keep a written record of every communication

Free resources in Florida

Florida Legal Services: Free legal aid

Florida housing line: 1-877-693-5236

HUD Florida: For discrimination complaints

Remember: NEVER stop paying rent without following the correct legal procedure, as you could be evicted.

What to do if your landlord will not make repairs in Florida

Your landlord must keep the property habitable

The 7-day process

Emergency repairs

How to document the problem

Free resources in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

State guides

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