Tenant Rights in Kendall, Florida

Last updated: April 2026

Kendall renters in Miami-Dade County rely on Florida state law for all tenant protections. Here is a plain-language guide to your rights on security deposits, habitability, and eviction.

Want to check your specific address? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Kendall

Kendall is a large unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, one of the most populous suburban areas in South Florida. Home to a diverse population of families, young professionals, and retirees, Kendall has a substantial rental market shaped by Miami-Dade’s high housing costs. Like all Florida communities, Kendall has no local tenant protection ordinances — Florida state law is the sole source of renter protections here.

Florida’s landlord-tenant law is found at Fla. Stat. § 83 (Part II). It governs security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, retaliation protections, and illegal self-help evictions. Legal Services of Greater Miami provides free civil legal help to qualifying Miami-Dade renters.

2. Does Kendall Have Rent Control?

Kendall has no rent control, and Florida state law makes certain no community in the state can create it. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1431, which banned all local rent control ordinances statewide — overriding even voter-approved measures in Orange County and other jurisdictions. Miami-Dade’s prior efforts at rental stabilization were similarly blocked by state preemption. Landlords in Kendall can raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice.

3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Kendall

Florida state law gives all Kendall renters the following core protections:

• Security Deposit (Fla. Stat. § 83.49): If your landlord makes no deductions, they must return your deposit within 15 days of move-out. If they intend to deduct, they must send written notice within 30 days — you then have 15 days to object. Failure to follow this process forfeits their right to make any deductions.
• Notice to Terminate (Fla. Stat. § 83.57): Month-to-month tenants must receive 15 days’ written notice before termination; week-to-week tenants receive 7 days.
• Repairs & Habitability (Fla. Stat. § 83.56): Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition. If your landlord won’t make essential repairs, serve a 7-day written notice. If there is still no action, you may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies.
• Retaliation Protection (Fla. Stat. § 83.64): Landlords cannot raise rent, threaten eviction, or reduce services in retaliation for complaining to a housing inspector, joining a tenant organization, or exercising any legal right.
• Lockout & Utility Shutoff (Fla. Stat. § 83.67): Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord cannot remove doors, lock you out, or intentionally interrupt utilities to force you out. You can sue for actual damages plus attorney’s fees.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Kendall

Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, Kendall landlords who make no deductions must return your deposit within 15 days of move-out. If they plan to deduct, they must mail written notice within 30 days stating the reasons — you then have 15 days to dispute the deductions in writing. A landlord who fails to follow this procedure forfeits the right to make any deductions at all. Document your unit’s condition thoroughly at move-in and move-out with dated photographs and written notes to protect your deposit claim.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Kendall

Florida eviction law applies in Kendall. For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must serve a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate. For other lease violations, a 7-day notice to cure or vacate is required. To end a month-to-month tenancy without fault, the landlord must provide 15 days’ written notice (Fla. Stat. § 83.57). If the tenant remains after proper notice, the landlord must file suit in Miami-Dade County Court and obtain a judgment before any removal. Self-help evictions — lockouts, removing doors, or utility shutoffs — are illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67 and expose the landlord to actual damages and attorney’s fees.

6. Resources for Kendall Tenants

• Legal Services of Greater Miami — Free civil legal services for low-income residents in Miami-Dade County including eviction defense and tenant rights.
• Florida Legal Services — Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal help including housing and eviction matters.
• Miami-Dade County Housing — County housing resources including rental assistance and tenant guidance programs.
• Florida AG – Landlord/Tenant Guide — Official state guidance on Florida landlord-tenant law and tenant rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔔 Get notified when rent laws change in Kendall

We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.

Notify me