Renters with Chinese drywall have options, lawyer says

Renters who discover their unit contains Chinese drywall might have another cure for the troubles other than for health related concerns.

The Consumer's Edge this week discussed the case of Kim Carlisi, a Riverview resident who is renting a home built with Chinese drywall. Some Chinese drywall has caused copper to corrode and some people to become sick.

Carlisi plans to move out eight months before the end of her current lease because of concern about her family's health.

Charles R. Gallagher, a St. Petersburg lawyer, said renters do have a options under the state law that include not only heath issues but structural problems.

"Under Florida law, a tenant can terminate their lease if the leased premises contains defects," Gallagher said. Florida statute 83.51(1) says, "a tenant has the right to provide a landlord with a five day cure opportunity or the tenant may withhold rent until the defect is cured or move out of the property."