Man ends up as only resident of 28-story building in Miami

Steve Leidner is the only person living at the Hamilton on the Bay, a 28-story residential building in Miami’s Edgewater bayside neighborhood. He said he was outraged when he received a letter saying he had 60 days to leave and he has refused to do so.

[hasenafarms]

Having to turn his utilities back on by court order pretty much tells you who has a case and who doesn’t.

[Pisces-]

If his lease doesn't expire until NEXT year, he's not a squatter 🙄

[MASTEROFEVIL]

He's technically not a squatter if his lease isn't expired

[harrycooper]

Protip: If you ever come across any legal document that contains a clause giving the other a party the right to do something, in this case the owner to evict, and the party claims they aren't going to do that, take out a pen and draw a line through that clause, and have the other party initial it. If they refuse to do so, then clearly they intend to make use of that clause.

[jordanmcintosh]

If his lease hasn't expired and he's paying rent then he's literally not a squatter

[marigam]

So many people are willing to protest but he was the one who actually walked the talk!

[maggiereeves]

In my honest opinion that other people that live there shouldn't have buckle so damn easily. I give this man props for what he's doing.

[salehothman]

Perfect case of do NOT follow the crowd without understanding of what it's about!!
Strong individual 👍👍

[xenobenoit]

He’s done nothing wrong just simply not allowing them to pressure him

[silverbackshooting]

He’s the only one who has a backbone. He didn’t sell out

[bingovegas]

Good for him, little guy fighting corporate big wigs. Leave him alone.

[TheseEyesSeeDarknessClearly]

I thought this was going to be about how those other buildings in Florida collapsed and end residents were scared.

[oregonnursenurse]

If everyone would have banded together, the renters would have won!

[xelefonte]

This is an injustice. When ordinary people break leases, these large companies go after them with no mercy. When these companies break their own leases, they just shut down your electric and water and making living unbearable to get you out. They deserve to be sued for breach of contract.

[JxxB]

Calling him a squatter is completely false, his lease is still good and he's standing his ground because he's smarter than the other tenants and read the fine print n didn't fall for the new owners' sneaky antics. Im proud of this man's stubbornness and persistence / perseverance, it must be very annoying living in a construction site. Realestate Development Corporations are given too much power to screw over their tenants far too often and always seem to get away with it. Im glad this man is standing up to them and their slimey tricks.

[iegal]

He's smart and playing hardball until he moves out. The owner attempted constructive eviction and was court ordered to restore his utilities. He has a strong case to counter sue for harrassment and breach of contract. He may even get a better settlement offer from the owner than the previous tenants had been offered.

[voiceofraisin]

The owner had the option of not renewing peoples lease to begin with. Thus people would have had to move. However they signed new leases to collect rent until they were ready to start Renovations. This shows that the owners were not bargaining in good faith to begin with.

[ytubesuks]

The company is already playing dirty by purposely turning off his water and electricity trying to force him out but had to turn it back on only by Court Order. Next they will turn off the elevators etc.

[melissamcclain]

The fact the court ordered his utilities to be turned back on says alot!! Hope he stays strong and doesn't give in!

[wumbowoody]

Its stupid how in order to maintain your rights, you need to spend thousands on a lawyer. They literally tried to force him out by shutting off his water and power. That wouldnt have come back on without a very threatening legal letter or court.