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[RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

NB
Neil B. Shoter
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 1:32 PM

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit - but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE4196.91F44E10]

Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional


Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525
E-Mailmailto:NShoter@shutts.com | Biographyhttp://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html | V-Cardhttp://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf | Websitehttp://www.shutts.com


IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply.
Thank you.

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit - but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? Any thoughts would be welcome. Neil [cid:image001.jpg@01CE4196.91F44E10] Neil B. Shoter Partner / LEED Accredited Professional ________________________________ Shutts & Bowen LLP CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525 E-Mail<mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> | Biography<http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> | V-Card<http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> | Website<http://www.shutts.com> _____________________________________________________________ IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. Thank you.
AG
Andrew Garofalo
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 1:45 PM

No experience on that issue.  Will probably be hard to prove since it is
not something you can document with a photo for example.  If an air quality
test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should
have it done.

Andrew Garofalo
Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Garofalo Law Office P.A.
888-658-8686
www.garofalolaw.net

Sent from my mobile phone.
On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" NShoter@shutts.com wrote:

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as
grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to
my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a
residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second
hand smoke
is making affecting habitability.  ****


Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a
specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who
requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is
suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air
condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the
existing carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that
constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements
F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes?  ****


Any thoughts would be welcome.****


Neil****



[image: http://www.shutts.com/shutts100.jpg]****

Neil B. Shoter* *
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional  ****

Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm
Beach, FL 33401
Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525
E-Mail NShoter@shutts.com | Biographyhttp://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html
| V-Card http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf *| *Websitehttp://www.shutts.com





IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury
Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless
otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was
neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and
cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that
may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such
tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other
entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice
should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or
marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that
transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the
taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential.
If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent
responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby
notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including
any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in
error, please notify the sender by email reply.
Thank you.


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No experience on that issue. Will probably be hard to prove since it is not something you can document with a photo for example. If an air quality test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should have it done. Andrew Garofalo Board Certified Real Estate Attorney Garofalo Law Office P.A. 888-658-8686 www.garofalolaw.net Sent from my mobile phone. On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" <NShoter@shutts.com> wrote: > Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as > grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to > my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a > residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where *second > hand smoke* is making affecting habitability. **** > > ** ** > > Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a > specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who > requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is > suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air > condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the > existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that > constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements > F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? **** > > ** ** > > Any thoughts would be welcome.**** > > ** ** > > Neil**** > > ** ** > > ** ** > > [image: http://www.shutts.com/shutts100.jpg]**** > > *Neil B. Shoter** * > *Partner / LEED Accredited Professional* **** > ------------------------------ > > *Shutts* *& Bowen LLP* > CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 *|* West Palm > Beach, FL 33401 > Direct: (561) 650-8535 *|* Fax: (561) 822-5525 > E-Mail <NShoter@shutts.com> *|* Biography<http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> > *|* V-Card <http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> *| *Website<http://www.shutts.com> > **** > > **** > > ** ** > > _____________________________________________________________ > *IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE:* Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury > Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless > otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was > neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and > cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that > may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such > tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other > entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice > should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or > marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that > transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the > taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. > > The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. > If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent > responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby > notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including > any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in > error, please notify the sender by email reply. > Thank you. > > _______________________________________________ > landten mailing list > landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org > http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten >
ER
Eric.Rapkin (at) akerman.com
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 1:58 PM

I find that a great place to start research is Google Scholar.  I searched "'second hand smoke'" habitability" and it looks like there are a bunch of articles and cases on the topic, for example:

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095&q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/suppl_1/i61.short

Eric D. Rapkin
Akerman Senterfitt | 350 East Las Olas Boulevard | Suite 1600 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Dir: 954.759.8962 | Main: 954.463.2700 | Cell: 305.343.6129 | Fax: 954.847.5350
eric.rapkin@akerman.com
From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Garofalo
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:46 AM
To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

No experience on that issue.  Will probably be hard to prove since it is not something you can document with a photo for example.  If an air quality test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should have it done.

Andrew Garofalo
Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Garofalo Law Office P.A.
888-658-8686
www.garofalolaw.nethttp://www.garofalolaw.net

Sent from my mobile phone.
On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" <NShoter@shutts.commailto:NShoter@shutts.com> wrote:
Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

[http://www.shutts.com/shutts100.jpg]

Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional


Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Direct: (561) 650-8535tel:%28561%29%20650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525tel:%28561%29%20822-5525
E-Mailmailto:NShoter@shutts.com | Biographyhttp://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html | V-Cardhttp://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf | Websitehttp://www.shutts.com

V Cardhttp://www.akerman.com/bios/vcard.asp?id=574 | Biohttp://www.akerman.com/bios/bio.asp?id=574 | akerman.comhttp://www.akerman.com/574

[http://www.akerman.com/akermanlogo4.gif]

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: The information contained in this transmission may be privileged and confidential, and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error and then delete it. Thank you.

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IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

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Thank you.


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I find that a great place to start research is Google Scholar. I searched "'second hand smoke'" habitability" and it looks like there are a bunch of articles and cases on the topic, for example: http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095&q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10 http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/suppl_1/i61.short Eric D. Rapkin Akerman Senterfitt | 350 East Las Olas Boulevard | Suite 1600 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Dir: 954.759.8962 | Main: 954.463.2700 | Cell: 305.343.6129 | Fax: 954.847.5350 eric.rapkin@akerman.com From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Garofalo Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:46 AM To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke No experience on that issue. Will probably be hard to prove since it is not something you can document with a photo for example. If an air quality test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should have it done. Andrew Garofalo Board Certified Real Estate Attorney Garofalo Law Office P.A. 888-658-8686 www.garofalolaw.net<http://www.garofalolaw.net> Sent from my mobile phone. On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" <NShoter@shutts.com<mailto:NShoter@shutts.com>> wrote: Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? Any thoughts would be welcome. Neil [http://www.shutts.com/shutts100.jpg] Neil B. Shoter Partner / LEED Accredited Professional ________________________________ Shutts & Bowen LLP CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct: (561) 650-8535<tel:%28561%29%20650-8535> | Fax: (561) 822-5525<tel:%28561%29%20822-5525> E-Mail<mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> | Biography<http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> | V-Card<http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> | Website<http://www.shutts.com> V Card<http://www.akerman.com/bios/vcard.asp?id=574> | Bio<http://www.akerman.com/bios/bio.asp?id=574> | akerman.com<http://www.akerman.com/574> [http://www.akerman.com/akermanlogo4.gif] CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: The information contained in this transmission may be privileged and confidential, and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error and then delete it. Thank you. CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To comply with U.S. Treasury Department and IRS regulations, we are required to advise you that, unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this transmittal, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this e-mail or attachment. _____________________________________________________________ IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. Thank you. _______________________________________________ landten mailing list landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org> http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten
LJ
Lainie J. Simon
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 2:00 PM

Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason.  Sent the notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated.  They did not go after the tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel" of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt.  As to "liability" for damages, never pushed that far.  In addition, several years ago my inlaws walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came of it.

I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping around indoor hallway doors.  I believe there is recent case law in NY about this.
On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote:

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

<image001.jpg>
Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional
Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525
E-Mail | Biography | V-Card | Website


IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply.
Thank you._______________________________________________
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http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten

Lainie J. Simon, Esq.
185 NW Spanish River Boulevard
Suite 220
Boca Raton, FL  33431
561.445.1361
561.997.6224(fax)

PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney - client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the  responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from its use.
Ê

Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason. Sent the notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated. They did not go after the tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel" of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt. As to "liability" for damages, never pushed that far. In addition, several years ago my inlaws walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came of it. I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping around indoor hallway doors. I believe there is recent case law in NY about this. On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote: > Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. > > Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? > > Any thoughts would be welcome. > > Neil > > > <image001.jpg> > Neil B. Shoter > Partner / LEED Accredited Professional > Shutts & Bowen LLP > CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 > Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525 > E-Mail | Biography | V-Card | Website > > > > _____________________________________________________________ > IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. > > The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. > Thank you._______________________________________________ > landten mailing list > landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org > http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten Lainie J. Simon, Esq. 185 NW Spanish River Boulevard Suite 220 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561.445.1361 561.997.6224(fax) PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney - client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from its use. Ê
AF
Andrew F. Garofalo
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 2:39 PM

May not be a bad idea to get witnesses (neutral if possible like a property
inspector or a Realtor) to sign affidavits which attest to the odor in the
leased space and attach those to the default notice to landlord.

Andrew F. Garofalo
Attorney at Law | Board Certified in Real Estate Law

andrew@garofalolaw.net

Garofalo Law Office P.A.
7401 Wiles Road, Suite 319 | Coral Springs, FL 33067
T: (888) 658-8686 | F: (888) 658-7360
www.garofalolaw.net http://www.garofalolaw.net/

The information in this communication (including any attachments) is
privileged and confidential.  If you are not the intended recipient, nor the
employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,
you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this
communication (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited.  If you
have received this communication in error, please notify the sender.  Thank
you.

From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org
[mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Lainie J. Simon
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:00 AM
To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason.  Sent the
notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned
carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated.  They did not go after the
tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel"
of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt.  As to "liability" for
damages, never pushed that far.  In addition, several years ago my inlaws
walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior
presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came
of it.

I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the
management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping
around indoor hallway doors.  I believe there is recent case law in NY about
this.

On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote:

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as
grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to
my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a
residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand
smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a
specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who
requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering
from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition
system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing
carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a
breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in
particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

<image001.jpg>

Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional


Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525
mailto:NShoter@shutts.com E-Mail |
http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html Biography |
http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf V-Card |  http://www.shutts.com
Website


IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury
Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless
otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was
neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and
cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that
may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such
tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other
entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice
should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or
marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction
or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's
particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential.
If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible
for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that
any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any
attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in
error, please notify the sender by email reply.
Thank you._______________________________________________
landten mailing list
landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org
http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten

Lainie J. Simon, Esq.
185 NW Spanish River Boulevard
Suite 220
Boca Raton, FL  33431
561.445.1361
561.997.6224(fax)

PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the
Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally
privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are
intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this
message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be
and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney

  • client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended
    recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in
    error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete
    this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this
    message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not
    disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information
    contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and
    any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that
    might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is
    the  responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no
    responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from
    its use.
    Ê
May not be a bad idea to get witnesses (neutral if possible like a property inspector or a Realtor) to sign affidavits which attest to the odor in the leased space and attach those to the default notice to landlord. Andrew F. Garofalo Attorney at Law | Board Certified in Real Estate Law andrew@garofalolaw.net Garofalo Law Office P.A. 7401 Wiles Road, Suite 319 | Coral Springs, FL 33067 T: (888) 658-8686 | F: (888) 658-7360 www.garofalolaw.net <http://www.garofalolaw.net/> The information in this communication (including any attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this communication (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender. Thank you. From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Lainie J. Simon Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:00 AM To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason. Sent the notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated. They did not go after the tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel" of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt. As to "liability" for damages, never pushed that far. In addition, several years ago my inlaws walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came of it. I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping around indoor hallway doors. I believe there is recent case law in NY about this. On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote: Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? Any thoughts would be welcome. Neil <image001.jpg> Neil B. Shoter Partner / LEED Accredited Professional _____ Shutts & Bowen LLP CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525 <mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> E-Mail | <http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> Biography | <http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> V-Card | <http://www.shutts.com> Website _____________________________________________________________ IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. Thank you._______________________________________________ landten mailing list landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten Lainie J. Simon, Esq. 185 NW Spanish River Boulevard Suite 220 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561.445.1361 561.997.6224(fax) PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney - client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from its use. Ê
JM
Jeff Mazor
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 2:49 PM

HERE'S A FLORIDA COUNTY COURT CASE:

In the case Merrill vs. Bosser, 12 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 885b (2005), Judge
Lee of Broward County held that a condominium unit owner was responsible for
damages suffered by another unit owner caused by the effects of secondhand
smoke.  The facts of the case revealed that defendant unit owner leased his
unit to a tenant who was a heavy smoker. The smoke seeped into the
plaintiff’s unit who lived below causing severe medical issues for plaintiff
and her family.  The lawsuit was brought under the theories of trespass,
common law nuisance and breach of covenant of quite enjoyment. The plaintiff
was successful on all three theories.  Regarding the breach of the covenant
of quiet enjoyment, the Court compared the situation to a landlord-tenant
case where one party interferes with another party’s use of a property to a
substantial degree.  Damages were awarded on the basis of medical expenses,
plaintiff’s loss of the use of the premises and remedial expenses.  From
this case, there could possibly be landlord liability for failure to control
secondhand smoke from seeping into other tenants’ units or the common areas
and thereby causing injury.

It seems to me that if landlord chooses to designate a building or a floor
as a non-smoking area, and a tenant signs of lease agreeing not to smoke or
permit others to smoke in the unit and stipulating to the fact that doing so
would constitute improper conduct under Florida statute 83.56 addressable by
a seven-day cure notice, the landlord would be in an excellent position to
evict if necessary.

Jeff

Jeffrey R. Mazor, Esq.
J. R. Mazor & Associates, P.A.
Presidential Circle Building
4000 Hollywood Blvd.,  Suite 265-s
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: 954-962-3500
Fax:      954-962-3560
Email:  JMazor@Mazor.com

-----Original Message-----
From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org
[mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew F.
Garofalo
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:39 AM
To: 'RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee'
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

May not be a bad idea to get witnesses (neutral if possible like a property
inspector or a Realtor) to sign affidavits which attest to the odor in the
leased space and attach those to the default notice to landlord.

Andrew F. Garofalo
Attorney at Law | Board Certified in Real Estate Law

andrew@garofalolaw.net

Garofalo Law Office P.A.
7401 Wiles Road, Suite 319 | Coral Springs, FL 33067
T: (888) 658-8686 | F: (888) 658-7360
www.garofalolaw.net http://www.garofalolaw.net/

The information in this communication (including any attachments) is
privileged and confidential.  If you are not the intended recipient, nor the
employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,
you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this
communication (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited.  If you
have received this communication in error, please notify the sender.  Thank
you.

From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org
[mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Lainie J. Simon
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:00 AM
To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason.  Sent the
notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned
carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated.  They did not go after the
tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel"
of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt.  As to "liability" for
damages, never pushed that far.  In addition, several years ago my inlaws
walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior
presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came
of it.

I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the
management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping
around indoor hallway doors.  I believe there is recent case law in NY about
this.

On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote:

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as
grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to
my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a
residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand
smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a
specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who
requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering
from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition
system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing
carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a
breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in
particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

<image001.jpg>

Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional


Shutts & Bowen LLP
CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525 E-Mail
mailto:NShoter@shutts.com  | Biography
http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html  | V-Card
http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf  | Website http://www.shutts.com


IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury
Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless
otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was
neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and
cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that
may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such
tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other
entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice
should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or
marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction
or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's
particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential.
If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible
for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that
any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any
attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in
error, please notify the sender by email reply.
Thank you._______________________________________________
landten mailing list
landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org
http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten

Lainie J. Simon, Esq.
185 NW Spanish River Boulevard
Suite 220
Boca Raton, FL  33431
561.445.1361
561.997.6224(fax)

PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the
Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally
privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are
intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this
message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be
and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney

  • client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended
    recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in
    error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete
    this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this
    message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not
    disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information
    contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and
    any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that
    might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is
    the  responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no
    responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from
    its use.
    Ê
HERE'S A FLORIDA COUNTY COURT CASE: In the case Merrill vs. Bosser, 12 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 885b (2005), Judge Lee of Broward County held that a condominium unit owner was responsible for damages suffered by another unit owner caused by the effects of secondhand smoke. The facts of the case revealed that defendant unit owner leased his unit to a tenant who was a heavy smoker. The smoke seeped into the plaintiff’s unit who lived below causing severe medical issues for plaintiff and her family. The lawsuit was brought under the theories of trespass, common law nuisance and breach of covenant of quite enjoyment. The plaintiff was successful on all three theories. Regarding the breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment, the Court compared the situation to a landlord-tenant case where one party interferes with another party’s use of a property to a substantial degree. Damages were awarded on the basis of medical expenses, plaintiff’s loss of the use of the premises and remedial expenses. From this case, there could possibly be landlord liability for failure to control secondhand smoke from seeping into other tenants’ units or the common areas and thereby causing injury. It seems to me that if landlord chooses to designate a building or a floor as a non-smoking area, and a tenant signs of lease agreeing not to smoke or permit others to smoke in the unit and stipulating to the fact that doing so would constitute improper conduct under Florida statute 83.56 addressable by a seven-day cure notice, the landlord would be in an excellent position to evict if necessary. Jeff Jeffrey R. Mazor, Esq. J. R. Mazor & Associates, P.A. Presidential Circle Building 4000 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 265-s Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: 954-962-3500 Fax: 954-962-3560 Email: JMazor@Mazor.com -----Original Message----- From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew F. Garofalo Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:39 AM To: 'RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee' Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke May not be a bad idea to get witnesses (neutral if possible like a property inspector or a Realtor) to sign affidavits which attest to the odor in the leased space and attach those to the default notice to landlord. Andrew F. Garofalo Attorney at Law | Board Certified in Real Estate Law andrew@garofalolaw.net Garofalo Law Office P.A. 7401 Wiles Road, Suite 319 | Coral Springs, FL 33067 T: (888) 658-8686 | F: (888) 658-7360 www.garofalolaw.net <http://www.garofalolaw.net/> The information in this communication (including any attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this communication (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender. Thank you. From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Lainie J. Simon Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:00 AM To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke Yes I have gotten (a client) out of a lease for that reason. Sent the notice saying that they had to fix it, pursuant to statute, and they cleaned carpet but it wasn't enough, and we terminated. They did not go after the tenant. We had many people who would have testified to the odor and "feel" of the smoke constantly intruding into the apt. As to "liability" for damages, never pushed that far. In addition, several years ago my inlaws walked out of a seasonal lease in Boynton because of the smoke and prior presence of a dog; landlord threatened, I threatened back, and nothing came of it. I am also aware of people in condo/coops who were able to force the management to filter a/c systems in buildings and improve weather stripping around indoor hallway doors. I believe there is recent case law in NY about this. On Apr 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, Neil B. Shoter wrote: Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? Any thoughts would be welcome. Neil <image001.jpg> Neil B. Shoter Partner / LEED Accredited Professional ________________________________ Shutts & Bowen LLP CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct: (561) 650-8535 | Fax: (561) 822-5525 E-Mail <mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> | Biography <http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> | V-Card <http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> | Website <http://www.shutts.com> _____________________________________________________________ IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. Thank you._______________________________________________ landten mailing list landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten Lainie J. Simon, Esq. 185 NW Spanish River Boulevard Suite 220 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561.445.1361 561.997.6224(fax) PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the party or parties addressed and named in this message. This communication and all attachments, if any, are intended to be and to remain confidential, and it may be subject to the applicable attorney - client and or work product privileges. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message and its attachments. Do not deliver, distribute, or copy this message and or any attachments if you are not the intended recipient. Do not disclose the contents or take any action in reliance upon the information contained in this communication or any attachments. Although this E-mail and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for damage arising in any way from its use. Ê
AM
Alberto MCardet
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 2:58 PM

Agree that Google Scholar is a great place to start, I think many of our colleagues are unaware of it.  Never have dealt with the second hand smoke issue but very interesting topic.

Alberto M. Cardet, P.A.

1330 Coral Way #301

Miami FL 33145

305-403-7783

305-403-7824 (fax)

From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Eric.Rapkin@akerman.com
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:59 AM
To: landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

I find that a great place to start research is Google Scholar.  I searched "'second hand smoke'" habitability" and it looks like there are a bunch of articles and cases on the topic, for example:

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095 http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095&q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10 &q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10

http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/suppl_1/i61.short

Eric D. Rapkin

Akerman Senterfitt | 350 East Las Olas Boulevard | Suite 1600 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Dir: 954.759.8962 | Main: 954.463.2700 | Cell: 305.343.6129 | Fax: 954.847.5350

eric.rapkin@akerman.com

From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Garofalo
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:46 AM
To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee
Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke

No experience on that issue.  Will probably be hard to prove since it is not something you can document with a photo for example.  If an air quality test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should have it done.

Andrew Garofalo
Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Garofalo Law Office P.A.
888-658-8686
www.garofalolaw.net http://www.garofalolaw.net

Sent from my mobile phone.

On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" <NShoter@shutts.com mailto:NShoter@shutts.com > wrote:

Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate  a residential lease??  A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability.

Facts:  Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)?  If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Neil

Neil B. Shoter
Partner / LEED Accredited Professional


Shutts & Bowen LLP
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Agree that Google Scholar is a great place to start, I think many of our colleagues are unaware of it. Never have dealt with the second hand smoke issue but very interesting topic. Alberto M. Cardet, P.A. 1330 Coral Way #301 Miami FL 33145 305-403-7783 305-403-7824 (fax) From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Eric.Rapkin@akerman.com Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:59 AM To: landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke I find that a great place to start research is Google Scholar. I searched "'second hand smoke'" habitability" and it looks like there are a bunch of articles and cases on the topic, for example: http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095 <http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5728922745529120095&q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10> &q=%22SECOND+HAND+SMOKE%22+HABITABILITY&hl=en&as_sdt=2,10 http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/13/suppl_1/i61.short Eric D. Rapkin Akerman Senterfitt | 350 East Las Olas Boulevard | Suite 1600 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Dir: 954.759.8962 | Main: 954.463.2700 | Cell: 305.343.6129 | Fax: 954.847.5350 eric.rapkin@akerman.com From: landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:landten-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Garofalo Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:46 AM To: RPPTL Landlord Tenant Committee Subject: Re: [RPPTL LandTen] Residential lease issue- second hand smoke No experience on that issue. Will probably be hard to prove since it is not something you can document with a photo for example. If an air quality test can be done that would detect the second hand smoke the tenant should have it done. Andrew Garofalo Board Certified Real Estate Attorney Garofalo Law Office P.A. 888-658-8686 www.garofalolaw.net <http://www.garofalolaw.net> Sent from my mobile phone. On Apr 25, 2013 9:34 AM, "Neil B. Shoter" <NShoter@shutts.com <mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> > wrote: Has anyone dealt with issues of second hand smoke/indoor air quality as grounds to terminate a residential lease?? A pro bono matter brought to my attention on behalf of a residential tenant question whether a residential tenant has grounds to terminate a lease early where second hand smoke is making affecting habitability. Facts: Does an apartment landlord/complex have any liability towards a specific tenant (here a 21 yr old mother with a 1 yr old infant who requested a non-smoking unit – but not in lease) where the unit is suffering from the intrusion of second hand smoke from 1) a central air condition system, 2) from smokers in the hallways, and 3) smoke in the existing carpets (all three conditions are present)? If so, does that constitute a breach of habitability under the lease and the requirements F.S. 83.51, in particular by means of any applicable health codes? Any thoughts would be welcome. Neil Neil B. Shoter Partner / LEED Accredited Professional _____ Shutts & Bowen LLP CityPlace Tower, 525 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 1100 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct: (561) 650-8535 <tel:%28561%29%20650-8535> | Fax: (561) 822-5525 <tel:%28561%29%20822-5525> <mailto:NShoter@shutts.com> E-Mail | <http://www.shutts.com/attorneys-Neil-Shoter.html> Biography | <http://www.shutts.com/vcard-181.vcf> V-Card | <http://www.shutts.com> Website <http://www.akerman.com/bios/vcard.asp?id=574> V Card | <http://www.akerman.com/bios/bio.asp?id=574> Bio | <http://www.akerman.com/574> akerman.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: The information contained in this transmission may be privileged and confidential, and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error and then delete it. Thank you. CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To comply with U.S. Treasury Department and IRS regulations, we are required to advise you that, unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this transmittal, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this e-mail or attachment. _____________________________________________________________ IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: Pursuant to recently enacted U.S. Treasury Department Regulations, we are now required to advise you that, unless otherwise expressly indicated,any federal tax advice expressed above was neither written nor intended by the sender or this firm to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then the advice should be considered to have been written to support the promotion or marketing by a person other than the sender or this firm of that transaction or matter, and such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The information in this email transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by email reply. Thank you. _______________________________________________ landten mailing list landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org <mailto:landten@lists.flabarrpptl.org> http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/landten