fair rent for sinkhole home

[jbeatssr]

I am currently renting a small 2 bdrm, 2.5 bath, 1 car garage patio villa in Hudson, Florida. My current landlord has disclosed the fact that the home has been deemed a sinkhole, and has a potential buyer willing to keep me as a tenant. There are no apparent imminent concerns with regards to sinkhole damage, and I am willing to continue renting for a fair rental reduction. I was paying $700/month before receiving confirmation of the sinkhole. I contacted the state sinkhole ombudsman who suggested $375/mo or at least $500. I am willing to pay $650. Is this a fair reduction? Are landlords required by state law to disclose the existence of a sinkhole to a tenant just like they are required to disclose to a potential buyer?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I don't know the specific issue in Florida with sinkholes specifically but I am pretty sure there isn't a reward of statutory damages just because there was a sinkhole that didn't affect you. Could you sue based upon the fact that you were put in a potentially dangerous condition? Maybe. Do you still want to llive there? Do yourself a favor and use it as a negotiation tactic to lower your new rent. Otherwise, if it isn't that a big deal to you, it won't be too big a deal to the judge.