The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Most residential tenancies in Florida are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Part II, §§ 83.40–83.683). It sets out your rights and your landlord's duties — including the proper notices required to end a tenancy and the rule that a landlord generally cannot evict you without going through the court.
When the rental is sold (not foreclosed)
A sale alone usually does not cancel a valid lease. The new owner typically steps into the landlord's shoes and the lease continues on its terms. That's exactly how we buy occupied rentals — we take the property subject to the tenancy, so tenants aren't suddenly displaced.
When the rental is foreclosed
Florida has a specific statute for tenants after a foreclosure (Fla. Stat. § 83.561), which generally requires the new owner to give a residential tenant written notice (commonly 30 days) before requiring them to vacate. On top of that, the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act generally lets bona fide tenants stay through the end of their lease, or at least 90 days, in many cases.
Your security deposit and personal property
The Landlord and Tenant Act also governs security deposits and notice. If you've moved and left belongings, separate rules apply to abandoned personal property. When in doubt, a tenant-rights legal aid office can help — often free.
A note from Chris: I’m Chris Moore, and I’m not a lawyer — this is not legal advice. It’s general information my team researched from the official sources cited on this page (the Florida Statutes and the references listed below), and laws change. For help with a specific legal matter you should talk to a licensed attorney. Need a good one? Reach out to me here and I’ll gladly share my references.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my landlord sells the house, do I have to move out?
Usually not immediately. A sale generally doesn't void a valid lease — the new owner takes over as landlord. We buy occupied rentals subject to the tenancy.
What notice do I get if the rental is foreclosed?
Florida § 83.561 generally requires the new owner to give a residential tenant written notice (commonly 30 days) before requiring you to vacate, and the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act may let you stay longer.
Can I be evicted without going to court?
No. Florida landlords generally must go through the court eviction process under Chapter 83 — “self-help” lockouts are not allowed.
I'm a landlord who wants out — do I have to evict first?
No. We buy tenant-occupied rentals as-is and take on the tenancy. See selling a rental with tenants.