Our clients came to us after receiving an eviction complaint in a private landlord‑tenant case. The eviction was based solely on unpaid rent; however, when we reviewed the 3‑day notice issued before the complaint, we found that it listed the wrong rent amount and failed to include a $1,000 payment the clients had made by direct deposit just days earlier.
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) stepped in to ensure our clients were not unfairly evicted because of their landlord’s mistake. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
The clients were able to deposit the remaining rent into the court’s account and submit papers for them explaining why the eviction notice was incorrect and how the landlord didn’t follow the lease. FRLS then asked the judge to decide the correct amount of rent that should be owed.
Before the eviction hearing, both sides agreed to a settlement. The agreement let the clients pay all their rent as required by the lease. The clients are now able to continue living in their rental home with their children and maintain a positive relationship with the landlord.
FRLS can help clients resolve landlord-tenant disputes and avoid unfair evictions. Reach out to us at 1-888-582-3410 or apply online at FRLS.org for help.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.