Tampa Unlawful Detainers Lawyer
Even if you do not know the term unlawful detainer, there is a good chance you are at least familiar with the context in which these cases arise. It is common for a tenant to allow friends, family, or others to stay at the property that is the subject of a residential lease. When they refuse to leave, the landlord faces challenges in forcing them off because there is no rental agreement. Under the circumstances, the landlord has legal options under Florida’s unlawful detainer statute. Because the laws apply differently as compared to a typical eviction, the legal process can be complicated.
Fortunately, you can rely on our team at the Seward Law Office, P.A. to assist with unlawful detainer actions. We have years of experience assisting clients throughout Hillsborough County, backed by meticulous knowledge of the laws and legal requirements. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Tampa unlawful detainers lawyer, and read on for some background information.
Important Unlawful Detainer Laws in Florida
While eviction is based upon the landlord-tenant relationship and written or verbal lease agreement, none of these factors is present in an unlawful detainer case. The person who has possession of the space without authorization has no rights to remain, so the process is somewhat easier for the property owner. Instead of sending notices before initiating an eviction, an unlawful detainer action starts by filing a complaint in court. Then:
- The property owner must officially serve the person in possession, which is accomplished through police officers or special process servers.
- The defendant has the opportunity to respond and contest the allegations in the complaint.
- The parties may engage in discovery and depositions to exchange information for trial.
- The court will conduct an unlawful detainer trial, in which both sides can present evidence and witness testimony.
Why a Tampa Unlawful Detainers Attorney Gives You an Advantage
Having skilled representation is important for any legal matter, especially an unlawful detainer situation. Property owners have an interest in removing someone so they can lease out the space and make it profitable. Those in possession of the property do not want to be forced out or might simply need time to vacate. The team at Seward Law Office, P.A. is prepared to assist in pursuing or defending an unlawful detainer action. We will tackle such tasks as:
- Drafting the unlawful detainer complaint on behalf of the plaintiff;
- Responding to the complaint if you were served as a defendant;
- Gathering evidence to support your position;
- Employing discovery tools to obtain important factual information; and
- Representing you in court.
A Florida Unlawful Detainers Attorney Can Advise You on Options
From this overview, you can see that retaining skilled legal counsel gives you an advantage on either side of an unlawful detainers case. For more information on how our team serves landlords and tenants, please call 813-252-6789 or go online to reach the Seward Law Office, P.A. We can set up a consultation with an unlawful detainers lawyer at our offices in St. Petersburg or Tampa, FL.
