Florida Tenant/Landlord Laws: Charging storage fees?

by **marq** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:49 am

In January I moved into an apartment complex in Florida. When I moved, I signed a lease, and had a written agreement with the managment allowing me to park my gooseneck trailer in the back of the complex where there is more than ample parking. In the spring, new managment took over, fired all of the old management, and tried to tell me that my trailer needed to be taken out or they were going to call "code enforcement". However, I told them that I have a copy of a written agreement allowing me to keep the trailer there, and although they said they "don't have it on file", they left me alone.

Now, it is coming time to decide to renew my lease or not. I emailed the apartment manager and asked her, if I renew my lease, will they also "renew" the written agreement keeping the trailer out back, since it is out of the way and bothers no one. She responded telling me that I can keep it on the premises if I pay $50/month storage fees. I have searched Florida Tenant/Landlord Agreements, and want to know, is there anything I can do about this, besides move? I cannot afford to pay storage fees on the trailer, thats why I chose to live at this complex, because they allowed it to be here with me. I also refuse to pay them for something that is out of the way to other residents. I can't afford to move out, and would have to give notice by Friday in order to not be charged fees. Any suggestions? Can they legally not "renew" my original written agreement that was an addendum to my lease? Can they legally charge me a storage fee for something in the parking lot that is not in a designated area for storage? Thoughts, help?!

by **dana** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:52 am

Once the lease expires, EVERYTHING is open to re-negotiation. This includes the "free parking" for your trailer. The landlord is 100% within his legal rights to charge you an extra $50 for parking your trailer. Your options at this point are (1) negotiate with the landlord for a lower fee, or (2) pay the $50 fee, or (3) sell your trailer, or (4) move.

by **condan** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:59 am

They don't have any obligation to renew your agreement for keeping the trailer there. It's THEIR land, not yours, remember? So of course they can charge you a fee for it after your written agreement expires - why would you think they couldn't?

by **eddis** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:03 am

Neither one of you are obligated to enter into a new agreement. Yes, then can require you pay for the extra space your trailer takes up, and your recourse is to not sign a new lease.

by **gillian59** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:14 am

Well.. you have to decide. Do you want to pay to move, or pay to store.

Of course they can change the rules when a new lease is to be signed. Yes, they can decide not to renew a lease or a provision in a lease. You can decide you aren't going to accept that...by moving.

They can legally decide to charge you whatever they want for whatever area/service they want...and you can decide to not pay it...by moving out.

Not good choices...but, they are the only choices.

by **hagaleah** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:21 am

Normally I would recommend that you interview at least 3 or 4 Attorneys who have a great deal of success (winning against landlords) with landlord tenant law.

However if you cannot afford a $50 storage fee, it is clear that you cannot afford an Attorney

Therefore, I recommend that you contact the local Legal Aid Society.

The Attorneys for the Legal Aid Society are excellent and they do not charge any money for their services.

You have got nothing to lose and everything to gain by at least talking with The Attorneys with the local Legal Aid Society.

The Attorneys for the Legal Aid Society scare the daylights out of arrogant Landlords.
.

Landlords hate the Attorneys for the Legal Aid Society, but the Attorneys for The Legal Aid Society are great for tenants.

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