Landlord-Tenant Dispute Attorney Homestead FL
In Homestead and across South Florida, landlord-tenant disputes can escalate quickly—especially when communication breaks down or legal rights aren’t clearly understood. Whether you’re a tenant facing unsafe living conditions or a landlord dealing with nonpayment or property damage, these conflicts often carry emotional and financial strain. Consulting with landlord-tenant dispute lawyers in Homestead FL is critical to protecting your rights.
At Flaxman Law Group, we provide experienced legal guidance for both tenants and landlords, helping resolve disputes. We are part of the Homestead community, and we understand the unique challenges renters and property owners face in our area. If you’re facing challenges with a landlord or a tenant, contact Flaxman Law Group for a consultation.
Landlord Tenant Disputes in Homestead & Miami-Dade County
Landlords and tenants have a working relationship that can be very beneficial. The landlord collects rent from the tenant and provides them with a place to stay. The landlord gets a business or investment vehicle and the tenant gets a home. However, there are many situations where disagreements can arise:
- The landlord may not maintain the property, leading to complaints from tenants.
- The tenant may be unable to pay rent or may stop paying rent.
- A landlord may get complaints from other tenants about a renter’s noise or even illegal behavior.
- A tenant may keep pets, sublet the apartment, or engage in other activities prohibited by the lease.
- A tenant and landlord may disagree about who is responsible for the condition of the apartment on move-out day.
- A landlord may want to reclaim the rental to live in it themselves.
There are many situations where disagreements can arise, and in Homestead and throughout Miami-Dade County, landlord-tenant relationships are governed by a mix of Florida statutes and local ordinances. But when communication breaks down or a lease agreement is violated, these situations can quickly turn into legal disputes. At Flaxman Law Group, our landlord-tenant dispute lawyers in Homestead, FL offer practical guidance and assertive representation for both landlords and tenants.
Disputes can arise from missed rent payments, property damage, early lease termination, code violations, or wrongful eviction. In some cases, disputes escalate into strained relationship and even serious harm. For example, if there is a dispute over unrepaired stairs and a visitor or tenant is injured on those stairs, the situation can quickly escalate into a personal injury claim. That’s why it’s best to try to resolve the situation while it is still a disagreement.
What many people don’t realize is that even a verbal lease agreement can carry legal weight under Florida law. Whether you’re a property owner protecting your investment or a tenant defending your rights, it’s critical to work with an attorney who understands the legal landscape and the specific dynamics of the Homestead housing market.
Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Both landlords and tenants have legally defined duties, but misconceptions about these rights are common—and they can lead to costly mistakes or missed opportunities for resolution.
For landlords, legal responsibilities include:
- Providing habitable living conditions.
- Making necessary repairs in a timely manner.
- Giving proper notice before entering a rental unit.
- Following lawful eviction procedures.
For tenants, obligations include:
- Paying rent on time.
- Maintaining the property in good condition.
- Following the terms of the lease agreement.
- Not disturbing other tenants or violating local noise ordinances (or other laws).
Disputes often begin when landlords and tenants interpret legal or lease terms differently—especially when those terms are vague, outdated, or open to personal opinion.
For example, tenants have the right to live in a safe, livable home—but what defines “habitable” isn’t always black and white. A landlord may believe a minor plumbing issue doesn’t justify a repair request, while a tenant might see it as a serious violation of Florida’s implied warranty of habitability. Mold, pests, broken appliances, and lack of air conditioning in Florida’s heat are all examples of issues that may spark disagreement.
Another frequent dispute involves the condition of the property when a tenant moves out. “Normal wear and tear” refers to expected aging and use of a rental property—like minor scuff marks or faded paint. However, landlords may claim damages beyond wear and tear in order to withhold part or all of a security deposit. Without clear documentation or legal guidance, these disagreements can quickly lead to legal action.
At Flaxman Law Group, we know how to interpret the law and apply it to real-world disputes. Whether you’re concerned about an unjust eviction, withheld deposit, or unsafe housing conditions, our Homestead legal team can evaluate your situation and explain your rights under Florida law—so you’re not left navigating a complicated dispute alone.
Proactive Legal Representation in Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Most landlord-tenant conflicts don’t need to end in court—but they do need skilled legal attention to avoid long-term consequences. At Flaxman Law Group, we provide proactive legal strategies designed to protect your financial interests, uphold your rights, and minimize stress.
We may be able to help with:
- Lease review. We review leases to reduce ambiguity.
- Eviction defense or prosecution. Whether you’re a tenant fighting an unlawful eviction or a landlord needing to lawfully remove a tenant, we handle every step.
- Security deposit claims. We resolve disputes over wrongfully withheld or contested deposits.
- Habitability issues. We address substandard living conditions and related legal remedies.
- Code violation disputes. We advise landlords and tenants on navigating local code enforcement actions.
Many of our clients in Homestead are dealing with disputes involving mobile home parks, short-term rentals, or multi-unit housing—each of which can involve unique legal complications. Our team understands the local housing market and how to work with Miami-Dade County systems, giving you an edge whether you’re negotiating informally or heading to court.
You can be proactive, too. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, the following steps can strengthen your case when a disagreement arises:
- Document everything. Keep photos of damage, copies of communication, receipts for repairs, and dated notes of any interactions.
- Know your lease. If your landlord or tenant is violating written terms, that can serve as a powerful legal tool in court.
- File complaints in writing. This creates a record, which can help support your lawsuit.
- Seek legal help early. In many cases, you may be able to avoid a lengthy legal process by working with landlord-tenant dispute lawyers in Homestead, FL. Your lawyer may negotiate or suggest mediation, which can help both parties come to an agreement.
Many landlords and tenants hesitate to reach out to a lawyer early because they worry about cost. At Flaxman Law Group, we understand that many tenants and landlords are already dealing with financial stress, so we offer:
- Free initial consultations.
- Flexible fee structures, including flat fees for certain matters.
- Contingency-based arrangements for premises liability and personal injury cases, meaning you may not owe legal fees unless we recover money for you.
In some situations, Florida law also allows tenants to recover legal fees from landlords or tenants if they win their case. If you are losing money because of an unfair tenant or unreasonable landlord, we can help you seek compensation to pay for property damage, moving costs, and financial losses. We’ll help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary costs whenever possible.
Contact Flaxman Law Group Today
Get answers to your landlord-tenant questions. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Why Choose Our Landlord Tenant Dispute Lawyers
At Flaxman Law Group, we understand that landlord-tenant disputes are more than just legal problems—they’re personal and financial stressors that can disrupt your daily life. Whether you’re a tenant at risk of eviction or a landlord dealing with unpaid rent or damaged property, our experienced landlord tenant dispute lawyers in Homestead, FL offer hands-on guidance.
What sets us apart?
- Local insight. We know the Homestead rental market, including the challenges facing mobile home communities, agricultural housing, and mixed-use properties. Our knowledge of local housing ordinances and enforcement practices gives clients a strategic advantage.
- Fast, focused action. Rental disputes can escalate quickly. We move fast to protect your rights, whether that means filing for an emergency injunction or helping you avoid legal action altogether through negotiation or mediation.
- Balanced representation. We represent both landlords and tenants, which gives us a full-spectrum understanding of how disputes evolve—and how to resolve them.
- Clear communication. We explain your rights and options without legal jargon, helping you make informed decisions. From reviewing lease agreements to representing you in court, we keep you involved every step of the way.
We also have extensive experience with landlord-tenant disputes, both in South Florida and in our offices in Colorado. We have helped many tenants and landlords with their most challenging problems. For example, we recovered significant compensation for a disabled client after building management failed to repair a broken elevator, leaving the client trapped in their home. We also secured a lease termination and $10,000 for legal fees and moving expenses for a tenant whose home was found to have a severe mold infestation.
At Flaxman Law Group, our team has helped hundreds of tenants recover withheld security deposits, terminate leases, transfer units, or obtain alternative housing in cases involving habitability issues. We have also helped tenants fight back against illegal evictions.
Our team has helped landlords in evicting problematic tenants and recovering compensation for property damages, lost income, and other losses.
Most importantly, we don’t treat your issue as just another case file. We know that behind every dispute is someone’s home or livelihood—and we always represent you with that in mind.
Get Help and Start Your Claim with Our Experts at Your Side
If you’re facing a landlord-tenant issue in Homestead, don’t wait until it turns into a full-blown legal battle. The earlier you involve a qualified attorney, the more options you may have to resolve your situation efficiently and favorably.
It’s also crucial not to try to resolve a serious conflict on your own unless you know local and state laws very well. Florida law doesn’t allow many “self-help” remedies. For example, it is not permitted for tenants to withhold rent without following a very specific legal process—even if a landlord fails to repair serious issues like plumbing or air conditioning. Tenants who withhold rent improperly may find themselves facing eviction, even if they had valid complaints.
By the same token, landlords can’t try to evict tenants without following a very specific procedure—even if a tenant has stopped paying rent or has violated the lease agreement. Removing a tenant’s property from the unit, shutting off power, or otherwise trying a “self-help” eviction can give the tenant a way to sue.
If you are not sure how to resolve a landlord-tenant conflict, it is best to leave it to an attorney, who is there to help.
At Flaxman Law Group, we begin with a personalized consultation where we listen carefully to your concerns, review any documents (such as leases, eviction notices, or repair requests), and explain your rights under Florida law. From there, we tailor a legal strategy designed to get results—whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
We can help with:
- Illegal eviction threats or lockouts.
- Lease violations and early termination.
- Disputes over repairs, habitability, or safety concerns.
- Nonpayment of rent and recovery of past-due amounts.
- Security deposit disagreements.
- Tenant illegal activity.
- Code enforcement and compliance issues.
- Pests, mold, and other issues with rental property.
We also work on premises liability and personal injury claims, so if you have been physically injured by the actions of a tenant or landlord, we can help you understand whether you may have a claim that lets you seek compensation for your injuries or property damage.
With offices right here in Homestead, we’re part of the community and available when you need us. Whether your dispute is with a private landlord, a property management company, or a tenant violating lease terms, Flaxman Law Group is ready to step in and protect your rights. Contact our team today for a consultation.
CASE REVIEW
50+ Years of Combined Experience,
Personal Attention to Every Case
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Results
Successfully recovered significant compensation for a disabled client after building management failed to repair a broken elevator, leaving the client trapped in their home.
Secured a lease termination and $10,000 for a tenant to cover legal fees and moving expenses after their home was found to have a severe mold infestation.
Testimonials
4.9
(386 Reviews)
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- Catherine M.
"Thank you! This guy is great and really knows what he is doing. I've had to hire several people throughout the years for similar services and Mr. Flaxman is the best by far. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Jeff W.
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- Tayla M.
Homestead, FL Practice Areas
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Clients Often Ask Us
These Important Questions
A landlord can typically keep all or part of your security deposit to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations. However, they must provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining amount within a specific timeframe, as required by local laws.
With a proven track record and a client-focused approach, we strive to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. Trust our offices in Colorado and Florida to provide honest representation throughout your landlord-tenant dispute. Contact Flaxman Law Group today so we can assist you with your landlord-tenant issue.
Landlords must always provide notice and cannot evict without going through proper court process, unless the lease or local laws specify otherwise. For example, in cases of criminal activity or immediate danger to the property, the landlord may proceed with an expedited eviction. Always check your lease and local tenant laws for specific requirements.
If your landlord fails to address necessary repairs after you've notified them in writing, you may have options such as:
Withholding rent (where allowed by law).
Making the repair yourself and deducting the cost from your rent. Reporting the issue to local housing authorities.
Seeking legal remedies in court. Document all communication and the condition of the property to strengthen your case.
The length of the eviction process varies depending on local laws and the circumstances of the case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Generally, the process involves:
- A formal notice period.
- Filing of an eviction lawsuit.
- A court hearing.
- Enforcement of the eviction by local authorities, if necessary.
- Tenants may appeal or request delays, which can extend the timeline.
Landlord-Tenant Practice Areas
Broad Experience in Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Skillfully navigated complex landlord-tenant conflicts, advocating for fair resolutions and protecting clients’ rights in rental and lease agreements.
Protecting Tenant Rights:
Helped hundreds of tenants recover withheld security deposits, terminate leases, transfer units, or obtain alternative housing in cases involving habitability issues.
Preventing Wrongful Evictions:
Represented tenants to successfully block unlawful eviction attempts, ensuring their housing rights were upheld.
Advocating for Landlords:
Assisted landlords in evicting problematic tenants and recovering compensation for property damages, lost income, and other related losses.