Often Landlords need to shut off utilities to a home for renovations and repairs that need to be made to their property. However, what happens when a landlord is simply tired of a tenant or upset because a tenant is delinquent on rent and they chose to cut of the utilities? The Florida law considers shutting off utilities as a means to force a tenant out a prohibited act under Florida Statuette 83.67.
Often Landlords need to shut off utilities to a home for renovations and repairs that need to be made to their property. However, what happens when a landlord is simply tired of a tenant or upset because a tenant is delinquent on rent and they chose to cut of the utilities? The Florida law considers shutting off utilities as a means to force a tenant out a prohibited act under Florida Statuette 83.67.
83.67 Prohibited practices.—
(1) A landlord of any dwelling unit governed by this part shall not cause, directly or indirectly, the termination or interruption of any utility service furnished the tenant, including, but not limited to, water, heat, light, electricity, gas, elevator, garbage collection, or refrigeration, whether or not the utility service is under the control of, or payment is made by, the landlord.
What does this mean to you as a tenant? If your water, heat, electricity or garbage collection has been interrupted or terminated for the purpose of making you leave the property you may have a cause of action against your landlord. Regardless, if your rent is current at your rental unit your landlord in Florida cannot simply stop these services if they were previously being provided without notice.
If you are a victim of a Landlord who has forcefully locked you out of your home or discontinued utility services under Florida law you may recover actual or consequential damages or 3 months’ rent, whichever is greater, and costs including your attorney’s fees. Furthermore, if you were forced to vacate this act of aggression by the landlord will most likely be seen as a self-help eviction and could entitle you to fight for your security deposit back.
Has your water or heat been turned off by your landlord? Come home and your electricity is shut off? Trying to cook and have no Gas because your Florida Landlord has discontinued the service?
If you or someone you know is a renter and has had their utilities shut off we at Palmetto Law Group P.A. can be your resource against your landlord. Don’t let a landlord get away with shutting off your utilities. As a tenant you should not be forced to live without water, electricity or heat. Just give us a call toll free at 1-855-529-7256, or simply reach out to us through our online portal.
