Miami Landlord Arrested for Attacking Elderly Tenant Over Unpaid Rent

Robert Hobaico faces multiple felony charges after allegedly forcing his way into the 70-year-old victim's apartment and assaulting him.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn piece of paper money on a dark background, conceptually representing the financial tensions between a landlord and tenant.A tense confrontation over unpaid rent exposes the financial pressures facing some landlords and tenants in Miami's competitive housing market.Today in Miami

A 64-year-old Miami landlord named Robert Hobaico was arrested on Monday after police say he forced his way into a 70-year-old tenant's apartment and attacked the resident during a dispute over unpaid rent. Hobaico faces multiple felony charges, including burglary with assault or battery, strong-arm robbery, and battery on a person 65 or older.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants, especially in areas with high housing costs and limited affordable options. It also raises concerns about the use of force and the vulnerability of elderly residents when disputes over rent payments escalate.

The details

According to the police affidavit, the confrontation began when Hobaico arrived at the victim's doorway to demand past-due rent payments. The victim, who sublets a room with a private entrance, was standing just inside his doorway when Hobaico allegedly pushed him backward and entered the apartment without consent. Once inside, Hobaico is accused of grabbing the victim by the shoulders and striking him multiple times in the abdominal area, refusing to let him go during the assault. The victim attempted to call 911 but Hobaico allegedly grabbed the phone from his hand, preventing the call for assistance. The altercation continued outside the apartment, where Hobaico eventually dropped the phone, allowing the victim to retrieve it and call 911.

  • The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on April 6, 2026.
  • Hobaico appeared in bond court on Tuesday morning.

The players

Robert Hobaico

A 64-year-old Miami man who serves as the landlord for the victim and is accused of forcing his way into the tenant's apartment and attacking him over unpaid rent.

The Victim

A 70-year-old resident who sublets a room with a private entrance from Hobaico and was the target of the alleged assault.

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What they’re saying

“Hobaico provided a statement to police claiming the victim was the aggressor. Hobaico told investigators the victim attacked him and knocked him to the ground, forcing him to defend himself.”

— Robert Hobaico, Landlord

What’s next

Hobaico is being held on an immigration hold, and the judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for violence when landlord-tenant disputes escalate, especially when involving vulnerable elderly residents. It raises questions about the appropriate use of force, the rights of both parties, and the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms in the rental housing market.