Florida Landlord/Tenant Law Division of Consumer Services, DOACS (2 of 4) Tenant Rights
Section 83.51(2)(a), F.S.
In addition to providing the above requirements, the landlord of a dwelling unit other than a single-
family home or duplex shall, at all times of the tenancy, make reasonable provisions for:
Extermination of rats, mice, ants and wood destroying organisms and bed bugs.
Locks and keys.
Clean and safe conditions of common areas.
Garbage removal and outside receptacles.
Functioning facilities for heat during winter, running water and hot water.
Section 83.51(2)(b), F.S.
If the dwelling is a single-family home or duplex, a working smoke detection device.
This does not mean that the landlord is obligated to pay for utilities, water, fuel or garbage removal,
although he/she may choose to. Other provisions relevant to a rental agreement may also be altered
in writing.
The Tenant
Section 83.52, F.S.
A tenant, at all times during the tenancy shall:
Comply with all building, housing and health codes.
Keep the dwelling clean and sanitary.
Remove garbage from the dwelling in a clean and sanitary manner.
Keep plumbing fixtures clean, sanitary and in repair.
Not destroy, deface damage, impair or remove any part of the premises or property
belonging to the landlord, nor permit any person to do so.
Conduct themselves and require other persons on the premises with his/her consent, to
conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably disturb the tenant's neighbors or
constitute a breach of the peace.
Use and operate in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating,
ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators.
Access to the Premises
Section 83.53(2), F.S.
Once you agree to rent a dwelling, your right to possession is much the same as if you owned it.
The landlord however, can enter at reasonable times with proper notice to inspect, make necessary
or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply agreed services or show it to a
prospective or actual purchaser, tenant, mortgagee, worker or contractor.
The landlord may also enter at any time when:
The tenant has given consent;
In an emergency;
The tenant unreasonably withholds consent; and/or,
The tenant is absent from the premises for a period of time equal to one-half the time for
periodic rental payments. If the rent is current and the tenant notifies the landlord of an
intended absence, then the landlord may enter only with the consent of the tenant or for the
protection or preservation of the premises.