‘No one should have to go through that’: This Florida woman fought back when her property manager tried to evict her — and won. Why knowing your rights protects more than just your sanity

Property manager’s backlash against resident

Bacci believes she was targeted after she complained to the property management company about the dumpsters near her property. She said the area wasn’t being maintained.

“I had to go out three to five times a week and wash it down," Bacci said.

She erected a sign in the dumpster area without management’s approval. The property management company cited her for that. Then it cited her for other violations, including installing an intercom speaker and having planters and reflectors extending over the property line onto the sidewalk.

The property manager also issued a violation citing her for “disturbing the peaceful enjoyment of the community.”

“They want everyone under their thumb, in check, doing what they say,” Bacci commented.

Bacci had an altercation with the local property manager who arrived at her home and started measuring her lot without her consent.

The Florida Residential Landlord-Tenant Act states that a landlord needs to give “reasonable notice” (typically 24 hours) before entering a rental property.

Bacci captured the confrontation on camera as a police officer arrived. Bacci told both the property manager and officer to leave — and they did.

“No one should have to go through that," she said of the confrontation. “I was in my own home.”

The next thing she knew, Equity LifeStyle Properties served her with an eviction notice.

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Judge rules against eviction

Lawyer Michael Hildebrandt represented Bacci at an eviction hearing and the judge ruled in her favor.

When asked about the eviction complaint and ruling, Equity LifeStyle Properties issued a statement that read: “the judge in the hearing ruled in Ms. Bacci’s favor because management stopped issuing additional rule violations once a 30-day notice to vacate was posted.”

It also said the company hoped Bacci would continue to follow community rules and regulations so that “further legal proceedings can be avoided.”

As WFTS reported, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has investigated Bacci’s complaint about Equity LifeStyle Properties and forwarded it to the Office of the General Counsel for review.

Hildebrandt said other people who live in Equity LifeStyle Properties mobile parks have reached out to him.

“I’ve been contacted by people as far as the east coast of Florida that are dealing with the company that owns these parks,” he said.

Tenants need to know their rights around evictions, whether they lease land in a mobile home park or an apartment.

Protect yourself from unlawful evictions

Look up your state’s landlord-tenant laws. As Jacksonville Legal Aid reveals, Florida has specific laws that apply to the eviction of residents in mobile home parks.

In Florida for instance, a landlord can send an eviction notice if a tenant didn't make any attempts to correct an issue within seven days after being asked to do so.

You can protect yourself by making sure you keep the home or lot you lease in good condition and that you do not unreasonably disturb other tenants.

A tenant may have a right to withhold rent if the landlord has engaged in unlawful behavior.

If you receive an unfair eviction notice, you may need to provide documentation indicating how they’ve violated their end of the rental agreement.

Since rules around evictions and tenant rights can be complex, it’s wise to do as Bacci did, and seek the advice of a reputable attorney.