Explain my rights and responsibilities as a tenant. What are the repercussions for getting evicted?
Tenants generally must pay their rent in full and on time, keep their apartment reasonably clean, and abide by any rules established in a lease. The landlord has to keep the premises livable. For example, if the water is in the landlord’s name, it must be kept on. Or, if the water pipe to the building breaks, it must be fixed promptly and at the landlord’s expense. If you get evicted, it goes on your credit report and may prevent other landlords from renting to you. You can obtain more detailed information on your rights as a tenant from your local legal aid program (in the phone book or online at FloridaLawHelp.org).
