Right to Rental Discounts During Conversion?

[grandline]

I currently live in an apartment complex in Merritt Island, Florida that is under new ownership and is undergoing what we residents agree is a condo conversion although no one has received any "official" notice (we have been told we'll have more information after the holidays).

Our gym facility has been closed down and we are basically living in a constant construction site. Dumpsters and construction vehicles have eliminated parking spots. Building exteriors are being torn down with residents still living in the units. Today, unit sunrooms are having windows and walls ripped out with personal property such as patio furniture still present in the sunrooms of currently inhabited units.

Those who have not had their units partially destructed are living with scaffolding leaning against building fronts and plastic being placed over the windows, obscuring the view.

Since we are being denied access to previously available amenities such as the gym (which we were given no prior notice about) and are experiencing disruptions to quiet enjoyment and safety in our apartments due to extensive remodeling and construction crews in the units, are we eligible for any reductions in our rent? If so, what steps should we take? The only notice we have been given was a brief note this week stating that the complex was under new ownership and there would be "remodeling" done.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Mr. Knowitall]

As this is not yet officially a conversion, you would approach it in the manner of a tenant aggrieved by the condition of a property. It would probably be beneficial for you to take some pictures, then (perhaps along with some of your similarly aggrieved neighbors) consult a local lawyer about your possible rights to seek a rent abatement due to the condition of the property and limits on your access to amenities.