• Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes applies to landlords and tenants, specifically if you are renting an apartment, room, mobile home, part of a duplex, or any other "dwelling" as defined by the law. As a tenant, you should be familiar with the major items within the landlord-tenant laws if you are going to enter into a rental agreement.
  
  

Contracts and Communication

• A rental contract can be either written or oral. However, any communication from your landlord should be in writing, and you should keep any letters or notices you receive.
  
  

Length of Rental Agreement

• If the rental agreement does not give a specific time for the duration of the rental, the rental period is based on how often you pay the rent. For example, you may pay on a weekly or monthly basis.
  
  

Deposits

• Your landlord is within his or her rights to ask you for a deposit before you move in. If you decide not to move in, the landlord can keep your deposit. When you move out, your landlord must either return your money within 15 days or give you a written notice about why he or she is keeping the money within 30 days of the end of the agreement.
  
  

Landlord Responsibilities

• Your landlord is generally responsible for keeping your rental up to building code standards, maintaining the plumbing and safety of the unit, as well as extermination and garbage pick-up.
  
  

Tenant Responsibilities

• As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the place clean, maintaining conduct that is not disturbing to neighbors or against building or association rules, and safely operating appliances and electricity.
  
  

Access

• Your landlord should give you notice that he or she plans to come into your home, and this should only be at a "reasonable" time for you. Your landlord can go in unannounced if there is an emergency, such as fire or a hurricane.
  
  

Non-Payment of Rent

• If you do not pay your rent, your landlord has to give you a three-day notice, which means you have three days to pay or move. If you do not act, your landlord can have you evicted.
  
  

Landlord Prohibitions

• A landlord can force you to leave the unit through the eviction process. He or she cannot, however, try to make you leave by turning off utilities, changing locks or by taking your clothing or furniture out of the unit.
  
  

When You Move Out

• When you move, disconnect electricity, gas and cable in your name. Leave the place clean so that your landlord can inspect and prepare the unit for the next tenant. If there is any damage or repair needed, provide a written notice to your landlord.