What can a tenant legally do if the landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment?

In Florida, when a landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment for tenants, the tenant has certain rights and legal remedies to ensure they are provided with a safe and livable home. First, the tenant should inform the landlord of any problem or condition deemed uninhabitable. If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may choose to terminate the lease without being held responsible for the remainder of the lease. The tenant can also file a lawsuit against the landlord for failure to make repairs or for failure to provide a livable environment. The tenant may be entitled to damages or compensation for any injury or illness resulting from the landlord’s negligence in providing the tenant with a safe and livable home. The tenant may also choose to enforce the implied warranty of habitability. This means that the tenant has a right to expect certain conditions to be met in their home such as running water, a functioning HVAC system, and effective pest control. If the landlord fails to meet these conditions, the tenant may be able to sue for compensation. Finally, the tenant may choose to make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from the rent. This is only allowed if the tenant has given the landlord a chance to make the repairs, and the landlord has failed to do so. The laws in Florida are designed to protect tenants who live in uninhabitable conditions, so it is important for tenants to know their rights and remedies when it comes to landlord-tenant disputes.

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