Guide
For landlords and property managers
A death in a unit, a crime in a hallway, an apartment that turns out to be hoarded. Here is how cleanup usually works in a Florida rental.
Someone picks up 24 hours a day, every day of the week
What Florida law puts on the landlord
Section 83.51 of the Florida Statutes makes the landlord responsible for keeping a rental compliant with applicable building, housing and health codes. In buildings other than a single-family home or duplex, it also covers the clean and safe condition of common areas (s. 83.51).
The same section says a landlord is not responsible to the tenant for conditions the tenant, the tenant's family or their guests caused. That matters with hoarding, where who pays may be a question for the lease and the deposit.
The first days
Wait for release
After a death or a crime, nothing is touched until the police release the unit.
Secure the unit
Change or hold the keys, and keep other tenants and staff out.
Neighboring units
Fluids and odor can reach the unit below or next door. Ask the company to check.
Belongings
A deceased tenant's things belong to the estate. Ask the company to set personal papers and valuables aside.
On the call
Say it is a rental, how many units the building has, and whether common areas are affected. Ask how long the unit will be out of use and what the written price includes.
When you are ready
Let someone else carry this part
You do not have to settle everything today. A company can explain the work and give you its price, then wait while you talk it over with family.
Speak with a cleanup company
The person who answers is with an independent company that does this work around Lakeland. Say what happened, ask how they would handle it and what it would cost. Nothing is booked unless you agree.
Call (863) 474-0772Someone picks up 24 hours a day, every day of the week
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