Miami Beach, Fla. — Former Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is facing a lawsuit over allegations of causing extensive damage to a luxury rental property in Miami Beach. The case, filed by Five Star Marketing and Promotions, Inc., in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, accuses Butler of neglecting the upkeep of the home, which led to various issues including a major air conditioning leak and pool maintenance problems.
Butler, who began renting the 5,398-square-foot residence in August 2022, allegedly did not keep up with the monthly rent of $130,000 in the months of August and September 2024. The property, which boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a guest house, and direct canal access to the ocean, has now become the center of a legal battle due to the claimed disrepair.
The lawsuit details that Butler extended his stay beyond the lease’s expiration in August 2024 without making the required rental payments. In addition to financial delinquency, the filing suggests Butler’s actions—or lack thereof—contributed to physical damage within the home. Notably, the air conditioning system suffered due to unchanged filters, causing the ceiling to leak seriously enough that it needed replacement.
The resultant leak had further repercussions, damaging the hardwood floors below and encouraging mold growth throughout the house. The suit reveals the extensive water damage had debilitating effects on the home’s interior, warranting significant repairs.
Butler is also said to have taken over some maintenance responsibilities, specifically the swimming pool upkeep, which led to further complications. The pool, as noted in the legal documents, was poorly maintained, growing algae and suffering from broken pumps—conditions that reinforced the plaintiff’s claims of neglect.
The financial toll from these damages, combined with the unpaid rent, prompted Five Star to demand over $127,000 for repairs alone. After communicating the costs to Butler, the former Heat player reportedly vacated the property and withheld payment, escalating the dispute to legal action.
The claim requests compensation that totals $387,000, considering the damages and missing rent payments. However, Butler’s $130,000 security deposit reduces the net claimed damages to approximately $257,000.
Adding to Butler’s challenging year, the 35-year-old basketball player underwent multiple suspensions and ultimately ended his stint with the Miami Heat tumultuously, moving on to join the Golden State Warriors.
This legal dispute casts a shadow over Butler’s transition from Miami to his new team and raises questions about the responsibilities and behaviors of high-profile athletes off the court.
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