Florida may allow counties to investigate, fine landlords who lash out at tenants

The Florida Legislature this spring will consider giving counties the option to investigate and fine landlords who retaliate against tenants, an issue that housing advocates say has become more widespread after the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Under Senate Bill 290, county commissions could set up boards focused on landlords accused of violating state laws that prohibit retaliatory conduct, for example, by raising rent, not renewing leases or issuing evictions to tenants who have reported code violations, organized or joined unions for tenants, or legally withheld rent until repairs are made.

“It would simply be giving enforcement powers to make sure there’s compliance with what we already have on the books,” said Alana Greer, executive director of the Community Justice Project, a Miami nonprofit that advocates for low-income renters.

The inspiration for the bill came from the plight of an elderly woman from Leesburg, Marie Wissler, who was nearly evicted from her rent-restricted apartment for complaining about needed repairs. She wrote letters to the Florida Attorney General and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for help, but Wissler’s only recourse was to take her landlord to court.

Read more: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ne-baxley-bill-retaliatory-landlords-oversight-20201224-y3osuyxm2raijnvludrumm7u2a-story.html