Know Your Rights as a Tenant: What a Landlord Cannot Legally Do to Evict You

The coronavirus pandemic has created financial hardships for landlords and tenants alike. Unfortunately, some landlords have put pressure on tenants and even resorted to illegal tactics in an attempt to get past due rent. NPR reports on a particularly blatant case of harassment out of Texas.

There, a single mother of three was laid off due to the coronavirus and was struggling to raise her children on just $275 per week in unemployment benefits. Her landlord immediately filed an eviction case when she fell behind on the rent. She filed a statement with the court, declaring that she was eligible for eviction protection under the CDC’s emergency order. But her landlord pressed forward anyway. One day, neighbors from her apartment complex arrived at her house. They stripped linens off the beds and began wrapping the family’s belongings in the sheets. The victim believes they were hired by her landlord to force her out of the apartment.

This situation is illegal for several reasons. First, the neighbors were blatantly trespassing in her home. They had no legal right to be there without her consent. Second, landlords are prohibited from trying to force tenants out of their homes without going through a lawful eviction process through the courts. This is known as “constructive eviction.” In many states, illegal bullying and harassment constitute constructive eviction. This particular single mom has contacted local law enforcement agencies to seek redress for the crimes that were perpetrated against her.

Florida tenants must also know their legal rights in order to prevent landlords from trying to force them out of their homes unlawfully. The experienced Casselberry and Oviedo eviction attorneys at Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina are here to help. Call 407.452.4918  or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.