Landlord/Tenant Litigation
Our Real Estate Law Expertise:
Landlord-tenant disputes can be extremely complicated, frustrating matters. In these often-contentious situations, a simple dispute can quickly escalate into a litigation scenario. Whether in a courtroom or at a negotiating table, our experienced Sarasota attorneys can fight for your your rights and work on your behalf to protect your best interests.
To schedule a consultation with our skilled and assertive landlord-tenant dispute lawyer, please complete the form on this page or call 941-365-7171today. We welcome clients from Sarasota, Bradenton and neighboring Florida communities.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Both Landlords and Tenants
Renting a house, apartment or business space creates a legal relationship between a tenant and property owner. These relationships, based on contracts, can be complicated and subject to contract breaches and disputes. In Florida, landlord-tenant laws vary in commercial and residential leases. The experienced legal team at Syprett Meshad & DuBose is experienced in both areas, and possesses the resources and skills necessary to address disputes in or out of court. Sometimes, disputes can be resolved by a simple letter written by a knowledgeable attorney. Some cases require litigation. In either scenario, your interests are best served with the help of a qualified attorney.
Common issues for both landlords and tenants include:
From the Perspective of the Tenant
In this difficult economy, the prospect of looking for a new place to live can be an overwhelming experience. Your natural inclination may be to just do whatever your landlord tells you. It’s important to know that you have rights. There are several regulations designed to protect you.
Our experienced attorney can help you with matters such as:
- Challenging eviction
- Unsafe dwelling or environment
- Problems with property maintenance and repairs
- Security deposit disputes
- Discriminatory practices
From the Perspective of the Landlord
If you are a landlord involved in a dispute with your tenants, it is crucial that you follow legal steps in a timely and accurate manner. If you fail to follow the appropriate steps correctly, you can expose yourself to liability. These matters are typically very technical, time-sensitive and notice-driven. It is in your best interests to work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can assist you with matters involving:
- Eviction proceedings
- Security deposit disputes
- Damage to property
- Failure to pay rent
- Disposal of abandoned personal property
Syprett Meshad & DuBose can represent you in any mediation or litigation situation. Don’t postpone addressing issues that can easily get out of hand. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced landlord-tenant dispute lawyer by calling 941-365-7171 or completing the form on this page. We proudly serve the Sarasota and Bradenton areas of Florida.

- Contract disputes
- Lease drafting
- Negotiations
- Remove garbage in a clean and sanitary manner
- Ensure they and their guests don't disturb neighbors
- Not destroy property belonging to the landlord
- Maintain a clean and sanitary dwelling
- Comply with the terms and conditions of the lease
Applies to residential leases. In commercial leases these obligations are negotiated between the parties and may differ.
- Running water, hot water, and heat
- Clean and safe common areas
- Extermination of bed bugs, mice, ants, and rats
- Maintain the property in good repair
- Compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes
These statutory duties apply to residential leases. In commercial leases, landlord responsibilities are largely defined by the negotiated lease and are often limited. We handle both residential and commercial matters.
- Tenants have the right to be notified when their landlord receives the deposit
- No limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit
- Landlords have 15 days to return the deposit after the tenant moves out
Applies to residential leases. Commercial security deposit terms are set by the lease and are not governed by these residential rules.
- Landlords must provide reasonable notice to enter the property
- Landlords can enter in an emergency or when a tenant unreasonably withholds consent
- Otherwise, the tenant must consent for the landlord to enter
- Tenants obstructing legal entry could be subject to non-renewal or eviction
- Landlords can't retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights
- Tenants have legal protection when they file a complaint with their landlord or a government agency
- Retaliation can include harassment, intimidation, refusal to make needed repairs, rent increases, and eviction
- Challenging eviction
- Security deposit disputes
- Problems with property maintenance and repairs
- Discriminatory practices
- Unsafe dwellings
- Eviction proceedings
- Security deposit disputes
- Property damage
- Failure to pay rent
- Preparation and negotiation of lease agreements
We serve Sarasota County, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Venice, and surrounding areas of Florida.
