Deposit Refund??????

[Mz Cejay]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Orlando ,FL


I live in a 2 story house that has been converted into a duplex if you will.
I rent the downstairs and another family rents the upstairs. I have a severe rat infestation. (Found an incinerated rat in my oven.) When I contacted the landlord about the issue. The landlord sent her son over here, and he put rat poison in the holes in the walls and then covered them up with some wall putty stuff??? I'm not a repair man but that just didn't seem right. So I want to call the code enforcement so they could check it all out. But first I had been doing some research for Housing Codes and such. To find out that my home is violating numerous codes. Which can possibly be filed under the Condemned category. That makes me nervous because I know nothing of how this works?? I do know I will have to vacate the premises immediately. My question is if it was to get condemned would the law entitle the landlord to give me my security deposit back? I really would need my deposit to even leave. My family and I live barely month to month. If not for that we would just leave. I have searched all over the web for my answer and cannot find anything? I would appreciate any and all advice,help,or info you could provide me.
Thank you

 

[FarmerJ]

Condemnation by city / county inspections does trump a LL right to collect rent when its the entire unit. BUT what you want is to learn if there is a state statute in your state govt web page links for LL/ T that speeds up deposit return times if condemnation occurs. If it is not addressed by state law perhaps a city / county ord does. If it is not addressed then a tenant must still wait for its return according to state law. If you cannot afford to move then your best bet is to do all you can to assist getting rid of the rodents Including asking the LL for written consent to bring in a cat that has strong hunting skills. There is nothing wrong with rat baits and closing the holes up. Its your choice as to how to move on this, in many places affordable housing is real hard to find.

 

[JETX]

My question is if it was to get condemned would the law entitle the landlord to give me my security deposit back?

Depends. If you are paid in full on your rent and if there are no damages, then yes, you are entitled to your deposit return.
However, the simple fact of condemnation of the property is NOT a 'get out of jail free' card that would waive your obligations to the landlord for rent and damages.
If the property is condemned, it is treated just as if your lease obligation is terminated. You aren't liable for ADDITIONAL rent beyond the time of the notice.

I really would need my deposit to even leave.

Then you will have to start saving up your money. The landlord is not required to refund your deposit as you close the door.

 

[Alaska landlord]

So what is it that you find wrong with setting out rat bait and sealing their entryway?
What would you have the landlord do? Rats are coming in your home because their is food to be had. Keep a clean house and eliminate their food supply and they will stop coming around.
A cat is a good idea.

 

[Mz Cejay]

So what is it that you find wrong with setting out rat bait and sealing their entryway?
What would you have the landlord do? Rats are coming in your home because their is food to be had. Keep a clean house and eliminate their food supply and they will stop coming around.
A cat is a good idea.

Honestly I doubt you would want to smell rotting rat carcases in your home because they trapped the rats in the walls to die. The rats live in my home walls. Just the assumption that my family is not able to "keep a clean house" is ridiculous accusation. These are not field mice they are large RATS. To be realistic their last method didn't work the rats just migrated to my stove and behind my refrigerator. I am starting to believe that the landlord is a Slum lord. For the fact she sends her son to fix the problem. Would you want the doctor to do surgery on you or their son.

 

[seniorjudge]

...
Would you want the doctor to do surgery on you or their son.
...

Is your landlord a professional exterminator?

 

[FarmerJ]

Between rat baits and sealing up holes AND packing cracks and crevices like spaces around where water pipes go thru floors or walls and with written consent getting a cat the rodents WILL eventually leave or die. If you have a killer kitty you wont have to worry about the rodents dying in the walls , Becasuse kitty will likely learn to love you and want to make you proud kitty will do things like leave dead presents on your favorite chair when they catch them inside and if they catch them outside kitty will likely leave them by the door you use the most to go outside.