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Renters

Broward CountyUrban Planning DivisionRenters

Tenants and Landlords

​​​​​​​​​Renting in Broward? - Know Your Rights

TENANTS HAVE RIGHTS

Just as tenants have responsibilities under Florida law and through lease agreements - including paying rent, keeping the unit clean and in ​working order, and not disturbing the peace -  landlords have certain requirements and restrictions as well, such as providing a clean and safe property by maintaining the major systems and the building structure. Landlords in Broward County are also required to provide notice to tenants informing them when a late fee has been incurred.

Broward County Landlord/Tenant FAQs > ​
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KNOW THE LAW

Tenants in Florida can have either a written or an oral lease agreement. Because there are more likely to be misunderstandings with an oral lease, if possible, it is recommended that tenants have a written lease agreement with the landlord. Prior to entering into a lease, tenants should review their lease regarding their responsibilities and should also be familiar with Florida's Landlord/Tenant Law in Florida Statute Chapter 83, Part II. The State of Florida provides a free brochure with an overview of Florida's Landlord/Tenant Law that is available at FloridaConsumerHelp.com or by calling 800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español.
Broward County Consumer Protection > 

ALL RESIDENTIAL RENTALS MUST BE FIT FOR HABITATION

A rental unit must generally include plumbing and heating that is compliant with all applicable codes, be reasonably free from pests and have fully-functioning and locking doors and windows, among other requirements. Structures in Broward County must also meet all applicable building, housing, and health codes. If there is an issue with your unit for which you are not responsible for in your lease, contact your landlord as set forth in your lease. If your landlord does not address the issue within a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to report it. Certain issues, such as lack of operable sanitary facilities or water or leaking roofs, can be reported to your Municipal Building Code Enforcement Department or call 311. Locate your municipality code enforcement office by ​address search or clickable map.

DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION ARE ILLEGAL

A landlord may not raise your rent or threaten to evict you because you reported a health or safety violation or filed a fair housing complaint. A landlord cannot treat you differently because of your race, nationality, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, or because you pay your rent with Section 8 vouchers or any other governmental assistance, among other criteria. If you feel you have been discriminated or retaliated against, you can contact the Broward County Professional Standards/Human Rights Section at 954-357-6500 or the Broward County Consumer Protection at 954-765-4400.
Broward Legal Aid >
Broward County Human Rights Section​ >
HOPE Fair Housing >​

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHALLENGE AN EVICTION AND OTHER UNLAWFUL ACTION

A lease does not prevent you from challenging an eviction. If the landlord is violating the lease agreement, you can always seek relief through the courts. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can contact  Legal Aid Service of Broward County at 954-765-8950 to see if you are eligible for free legal assistance.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

If you face eviction and/or homelessness, financial assistance may be available. There are many local organizations that can help. Contact Broward County Family Success Center at 954-357-5001. 
Broward County Family ​Success  >​














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​COMMISSIONERS TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT RENTERS​

As rents continue to increase in South Florida, Broward County Commissioners have taken steps to put protections in place for renters. The Board has approved a law that requires landlords to give not less than 60 days' notice prior to termination of leases for tenants facing rent increases of more than 5%. It applies to all renters whether they have month to month or annual lease agreements. The South Florida region saw the highest rent increases in the country in the past year. 

Ordinance 2022-21 >​


TENANT BILL OF RIGHTS

Pursuant to Broward County Ordinance 2022-31, landlords and other lessors of residential rental property in Broward County are required to distribute this notice to persons applying to rent a rental unit. Where no application is required, this notice must be provided prior to the tenant beginning to occupy the rental unit.

This notice provides a general overview of rental rights and related resources for tenants in Broward County but is not intended to provide legal advice by either the County or the landlord providing the notice. 

Tenant Bill of Rights (English) >

Tenant Bill of Rights (Spanish)​
Tenant Bill of Rights (Kreyòl​)​

Ordinance 2022-31 >

County Administrators letter to Municipal Managers >

Bill of Rights Poster (PDF) >


​RESOURCES FOR LANDLORDS

The Ordinances apply prospectively, countywide, to all residential tenancies. The following links contain information to assist landlords in complying with the new regulations:​
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Sample Late Fee Notice template >​

FAQs >​

​ New Regulations: An Overview for Landlords >

(recorded July 20, 2022)​

NewRegulationsVideo.png​

RESOURCES

Discrimination (Race, Color, Gender, Age, National Origin, Religion, Disability, Marital or Familial Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression): 

Broward County Professional Standards/Human Rights Section
954-357-6500
 

Persons with Disabilities
Broward County ADA Officer 954-357-6500: TTY: 954-357-6181
For hearing or speech assistance, call the Florida Relay Service Numbers, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8700(v)

 
Housing & Rental Financial Assistance: 
Broward County Family Success Center 954-357-5001


Section 8
Broward County Housing Authority 954 739-1114
Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority 954-589-7189


Eviction Proceedings & Disputes  
Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court 954-831-6565
Broward County Sheriff's Office Civil Division​ 954-831-8787

Complaints, Security Deposit Disputes & Source of Income Discrimination
Broward County Consumer Protection 954-765-4400


Legal Questions or Problems
Legal Aid Service of Broward County 954-765-8950​


Code Enforcement​
Locate your municipality code enforcement office by address search or clickable map.
Sample Courtesy Letter to Landlords >​