A Levels Academy Islamabad
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00:00As a tenant, you realize you have rights.
00:03After all, this isn't Medieval Europe, last I checked.
00:07But you might not know what those rights actually are,
00:10which means you can potentially be exploited by a landlord.
00:14Not a good thing.
00:16First, a tenant is an equal party with a landlord,
00:19which means that no rental agreement can be forced on you.
00:22You should walk through and examine the premises fully
00:25before signing any type of agreement.
00:27Once that agreement is signed, there is no grace period for a cancellation.
00:31You are bound immediately.
00:33And all monies given in advance to the landlord
00:36will most likely be non-refundable,
00:38even if you don't end up moving into the place.
00:41With that being said, once a tenant has signed a lease,
00:44a landlord-tenant relationship is formed,
00:47which is governed by that lease and Florida's landlord-tenant laws.
00:51Generally, if the lease says something that conflicts with the law,
00:54the law wins.
00:56So it's important to know what rights the law provides,
00:59even if your lease doesn't.
01:01For example, as a tenant, you have the right to privacy
01:04and peace in your rented home or apartment.
01:07Your landlord may enter only to inspect the premises
01:10or make repairs, and even then, unless there is an emergency,
01:14only if the landlord gives you reasonable notice
01:16and comes at a convenient time.
01:18The property must also have working plumbing,
01:21hot water, and heating.
01:23It also must be pest-free, reasonably secure,
01:26and structurally sound.
01:28You know, for those sticklers who don't like their homes falling apart.
01:32If a landlord has an issue with you,
01:34for example, non-payment of rent or property damage,
01:38the landlord must inform you in writing.
01:41If you do not correct it after being told in writing,
01:43then, and only then, can a landlord take you to court.
01:47The same is required if you want to take legal action against your landlord.
01:51And if the landlord neglects some of their basic responsibilities,
01:54then you can withhold rent,
01:56depending on the severity of the situation.
01:59And a landlord cannot force you out by shutting off utilities,
02:03changing the locks, and the like.
02:05And if you have a deposit with the landlord,
02:07it must be returned within 15 days from your leaving.
02:10If not, they have 30 days to state in writing
02:13why they aren't returning it.
02:15If no notice is given within that time,
02:17the landlord must return the deposit in full immediately.
02:21If there are any other complications with the landlord or property,
02:25LegalYou is there for you,
02:27leaving you independent, but never alone.
02:30LegalYou. You can do this.