Trouble getting LL to make repair

[niradh]

The home I currently rent is managed by a real estate company. The home owner lives out of state. About 3 weeks ago I notice the ceiling in the garage was soaking wet. I notified the real estate company and they sent out a contractor to look at it. He tore a big hole in the garage ceiling about 10 ft X 10 Ft. No big deal. He had to find the trouble. As it turns out, the drain pan in the master bath which is located directly above the garage has been leaking for some time. He said the entire bathroom floor MUST be replaced. He said the floor is completely rotted and filled with mold. He notified the real estate company about his findings. I have not heard anything since. I called the real estate co. today and spoke to the agent for the property. He said the home owner is aware of the problem. When asked when it was going to be fixed, he said he did not know and whenever the home owner gives him the OK to have the contractor fix it, he will call and let me know. I said the home owner expects me to pay the rent on time, so I expect the home owner to make repairs promptly.

My question is, what do I do? I want to send a certified letter, but the home owner lives out of state. If I send it to the real estate company, will that act as the same as if I sent it to the home owner should I end up in court? I have full pictures of the floor. I took pictures from the hole in the ceiling to caputure under the floor and I pulled the carpet in bathroom back and took pictures. I have not used the master bathroom for 3 weeks now because the contractor said to not even step on the floor. He said he was surprised I had not fallen through at this point knowing the condition of the floor.

I live in Florida. Is there any law or statute that protects me and allows me if needed, to terminate the lease?

 

[djdj]

Well thats exactly what you do..send pictures of the floor and the hole in the garage, send it certified mail return reciept,to BOTH the landlord and agent...

With a letter stating that you will not be responsible for any damge caused by the landlords lack of maintence on the apartment, and that since it is unsafe, we wish to negotiate a lower rent, or to terminate the lease in 30 days.