Can a landlord pass on a$500 fine issued by the fire departmentto tenant, if they werewas babysitting a 3 year old that pulled a fire alarm?

Can a landlord pass on a$500 fine issued by the fire departmentto tenant, if they werewas babysitting a 3 year old that pulled a fire alarm?

Babysitter took our 3 year old out and stopped by her apartment. He (3 year old) pulled the fire alarm (it had no cover – recommended by the fire dept) at the apartment. She (nanny) (within 60 seconds) reported the false alarm to the office mgr (who was on phone with Fire Dept). Next day the apartment manager slapped her with a $500 fine. She can’t afford it (its almost her entire rent!) and neither can we. Is this legal? They said they get a certain number of waivers but they’ve been used up? What can we do?

Asked on February 27, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida

Answers:

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