Learn about the rights and responsibilities for renters and landlords in Hillsborough County, as well as how to handle tenant-landlord disputes and potential Code violations
Whether you're a renter or a landlord, you have certain rights and responsibilities when entering into a lease agreement. The information below outlines the steps for both renters and landlords to take when the lease agreement starts, throughout the rental period, and when the lease ends. If an issue or dispute arises, understand which agency to contact.
Contact
As of July 2023, residential landlord-tenant matters in Hillsborough County are governed by statewide oversight. The contact information listed below outlines which agency to contact to report potential code violations, for complaints and lease/security deposit disputes, and to obtain legal advice.
Potential code violations
To report a potential code violation such as lack of hot water, A/C or heat not working, or an unresolved pest infestation, contact the agency below for the jurisdiction where the property is located.
- Unincorporated Hillsborough County: Submit online or call (813) 274-6600
- City of Tampa: (813) 274-5545
- Plant City: (813) 659-4200, ext. 4319
- City of Temple Terrace: (813) 506-6680
Complaints and security deposit disputes
To make a complaint or for security deposit or other lease disputes, contact the agencies listed below.
- 5+ Units / Apartments: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395
- 1-5 Units: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (800) 435-7352 or (850) 410-3800
To obtain legal advice, contact:
- Bay Area Legal Services at (813) 232-1343
- Hillsborough County BAR Association at (813) 221-7777