LANDLORD HAS FAILED TO PAY CONDO MAINTANICE

[CHADTIFF]

I RENT IN SOUTH FL. RECENTLEY I RECIEVED A LETTER FROM A ATTY OFFICE STATING ALL RENT SHOULD BE PAID TO THERE OFFICE FOR THEY REPRESENT THE CONDO ASSOSIATION AND MY LANDLORD HAS FAILED TO PAY HIS MAINTANCE ONCE AGAIN,ALL RENTS FROM 3-31-01 TILL HIS BILL IS SATISEFIED THEN THE OTHER DAY I RECIEVE A SUMMONS STATING THEY ARE TAKING FURTHER ACTION (FORECLOSER) OF THE PROPERTY FOR HE OWES ATTY FEE'S AS WELL AS THE MAINTANCE.I HAVE CALLED THE LANDLORD AND HE STATES JUST PAY THE ATTY OFFICE I CALL THE ATTY OFFICE AND THEY STATES HE NEED'S TO COME UP WITH A LUMP SUM AND THEN I CAN PAY THEM,I TALKED WITH THE CONDO PRESIDENT AND HE STATES PAY THE ATTY OFFICE AND IF THEY FORECLOSE THEY WILL TAKE OVER THE PROPERTY FOR THEY ARE THE ONE'S PLACING THE LEAN I AM FINE WITH PAYING THE ATTY OFFICE MT RENT BUT ARE MY CHILDREN AND I PROTECTED FROM EVICTION
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR HELP
NANCY

 

[LL]

Get it in writing from the landlord that you should pay the attorney office.

I don't know anything about FL law, but here in California, there are (at least) two approaches to this problem.

1. The HOA files a lien and forecloses on it and only after the foreclosure than can collect rent.

2. I have heard that there is also a way for an HOA to collect rent directly on behalf of a delinquent homeowner, but I don't know anything about what procedure they have to follow.

But, if the landlord instructs you to pay rent to the attorney's office, then he is simply re-directing where and to whom the rent is payable, so it is all part of your lease. Thus, you are protected from the landlord saying that you didn't pay your rent (to him) and the whole procedure works more efficiently because the HOA is getting their money and perhaps won't have to foreclose.