Florida Landlord Habitability Demand Letter

Sample Language - 7-Day Notice

[Your Name]
[Rental Property Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

[Date]

[Landlord Name]
[Address]

RE: SEVEN-DAY NOTICE OF NONCOMPLIANCE - FL Stat § 83.56(1)
Rental Property: [ADDRESS]
Lease Date: [DATE]
Monthly Rent: $[AMOUNT]

NOTICE OF LANDLORD'S NONCOMPLIANCE WITH FL STAT § 83.51

Dear [Landlord Name]:

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 83.56(1), this letter constitutes formal SEVEN-DAY NOTICE of your material noncompliance with the rental agreement and Florida Statute § 83.51.

HABITABILITY VIOLATIONS:

You have failed to maintain the rental premises in habitable condition as required by FL Stat § 83.51. Specifically:

1. [e.g., "Non-Functional Air Conditioning" (§ 83.51(2)(a))]: The AC unit has been inoperable since [DATE]. I notified you on [DATE] and [DATE] via [phone/text/email]. In Florida's climate, lack of AC creates dangerous heat conditions violating habitability standards.

2. [e.g., "Roof Leak & Water Damage" (§ 83.51(1)(b))]: Major roof leak in [location] causing water damage, ceiling stains, and mold growth. Violates duty to maintain roof in good repair.

3. [e.g., "Plumbing Failures" (§ 83.51(2)(a))]: [Toilet/sink/shower] has been non-functional since [DATE]. Violates duty to provide functioning facilities for running water.

4. [e.g., "Pest Infestation" (§ 83.51(2)(b))]: Severe [roach/rodent] infestation throughout unit. Despite my requests on [DATES], you have failed to exterminate.

5. [e.g., "Building Code Violations" (§ 83.51(1)(a))]: [Electrical hazards/broken windows/unsafe stairs] violate Florida Building Code and create life-safety hazards.

These conditions materially affect the health and safety of ordinary tenants and violate your duties under § 83.51(1) and (2).

DEMAND FOR COMPLIANCE:

Pursuant to FL Stat § 83.56(1), you have SEVEN (7) DAYS from receipt of this notice to:

1. Repair/replace the air conditioning system with licensed HVAC contractor
2. Repair roof leak and remediate all water damage and mold
3. Repair all plumbing to functional condition
4. Hire licensed exterminator to eliminate pest infestation
5. Correct all building code violations and electrical hazards

NOTICE OF INTENT TO TERMINATE:

If you fail to cure these violations within 7 days, I will exercise my rights under FL Stat § 83.56(1) to TERMINATE THE LEASE, effective immediately upon expiration of the 7-day period.

Additionally, under FL Stat § 83.60, I may pursue the following remedies:

1. Withhold rent and deposit with the court registry pending repairs (§ 83.60(1))
2. Terminate the lease and sue for damages (§ 83.56(1))
3. Procure substitute housing and recover actual/consequential damages (§ 83.60(2))

DAMAGES ALREADY INCURRED:

Your failures have already caused substantial harm:

- Hotel costs during uninhabitable period: $[AMOUNT]
- Damaged personal property (clothing, furniture from water/mold): $[AMOUNT]
- Medical expenses (heat-related illness, mold exposure): $[AMOUNT]
- Reduced rental value: $[AMOUNT/month x MONTHS]

Under FL Stat § 83.48, I am entitled to recover damages and reasonable attorney fees as prevailing party.

THIS IS YOUR FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLY.

If repairs are not completed within 7 days, I will: (1) Terminate the lease; (2) Demand immediate return of security deposit and prorated rent; (3) Sue for all damages, moving costs, and attorney fees; (4) File complaints with code enforcement and the Florida Attorney General.

The law is clear. You have 7 days.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date Signed]

DELIVERY: Delivered via [certified mail / hand delivery] on [DATE]