Florida Landlord's Guide

Essential landlord obligations:

• • Habitable conditions: Maintain property with working heat, plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity.
• • Safety compliance: Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exits.
• • Timely repairs: Address maintenance issues within reasonable timeframes.
• • Fair housing compliance: No discrimination based on protected classes.
• • Privacy respect: Provide proper notice before entering tenant’s unit.
• • Security deposit handling: Follow state laws for collection, holding, and return procedures.
• • Local code compliance: Meet all building, health, and safety regulations.
• • Lease enforcement: Follow legal procedures for rent collection and evictions.

   

  Responsibilities vary by state and local laws – consult local housing authorities.

Proper tenant screening process:

• • Consistent criteria: Apply same standards to all applicants.
• • Credit check: Review credit score, payment history, and debt levels.
• • Income verification: Require proof of income 2.5-3x monthly rent.
• • Employment verification: Confirm current employment and job stability.
• • Reference checks: Contact previous landlords and personal references.
• • Background check: Criminal history and eviction records.
• • Application process: Use standardized application forms.
• • Fair housing compliance: Avoid discriminatory questions or criteria.
  
  

Never discriminate based on race, religion, gender, family status, disability, or national origin.

Allowable fees and charges:

• • Security deposits: Typically 1-2 months’ rent (varies by state).
• • Pet deposits/fees: Additional deposits and monthly pet rent.
• • Application fees: Reasonable fees to cover screening costs ($25-100).
• • Late fees: Reasonable charges for overdue rent (often $25-50 or 5% of rent).
• •Utility charges: If not included in rent, can charge actual costs.
• • Damage repairs: Costs beyond normal wear and tear.
• • Cleaning fees: If property left excessively dirty.
• • Key replacement: Reasonable fees for lost keys or remotes.
  
  

Some states limit fee amounts and types – check local regulations.

Entry notice requirements:

• • Routine inspections: 24-48 hours advance written notice (varies by state).
• • Repairs and maintenance: 24 hours notice for scheduled work.
• • Showing property: 24-48 hours notice when marketing to new tenants.
• • Emergency situations: No notice required for genuine emergencies.
• • Reasonable hours: Entries typically limited to 8 AM – 6 PM on weekdays
• • Tenant consent: Can enter immediately with tenant permission.
• • Court orders: Legal process may allow immediate entry.

Excessive or improper entry can constitute harassment and violate tenant rights.

Rent collection procedures:

• • Grace periods: Check if lease allows grace period (typically 3-5 days).
• • Late fees: Apply fees according to lease terms and state laws.
• • Pay or quit notices: Formal notices requiring payment or vacation (3-30 days).
• • Communication: Contact tenant to understand payment issues.
• • Payment plans: Consider arrangements for temporary financial hardship.
• • Documentation: Keep records of all notices and communications.
• • Legal procedures: Follow state laws for formal eviction process.
• • Professional help: Consider attorneys for complex situations.
  
  

Never accept partial rent without understanding implications for eviction proceedings.

Eviction procedure overview:

• • Grounds for eviction: Non-payment, lease violations, or end of tenancy.
• • Notice period: 3-30 days depending on violation type and state.
• • Court filing: File unlawful detainer lawsuit if tenant doesn’t comply.
• • Tenant response: Tenant has opportunity to respond or contest.
• • Court hearing: Judge determines if eviction is warranted.
• • Judgment: Court order allowing tenant removal.
• • Sheriff enforcement: Only law enforcement can physically remove tenants.
  
  

Total timeline typically 30-90 days depending on state and tenant response.

Security deposit management:

• • Collection limits: Usually 1-2 months’ rent maximum (varies by state).
• • Separate accounts: Some states require deposits held in separate accounts.
• • Interest payments: Some jurisdictions require interest on deposits.
• • Itemized deductions: Provide detailed list of any deductions.
• • Return timeline: Typically 15-60 days after tenant move-out.
• • Allowable deductions: Unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal wear, damages.
• • Documentation: Photos and receipts for any deductions.
• • Forwarding address: Tenant must provide address for deposit return.
  
  

Improper handling can result in penalties and legal liability.

Landlord maintenance obligations:

• • Essential systems: Heat, plumbing, electricity, and hot water.
• • Structural integrity: Roof, foundation, walls, and stairs.
• • Safety equipment: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, secure locks.
• • Pest control: Address infestations affecting habitability.
• • Common areas: Maintain hallways, lobbies, and shared spaces.
• • Emergency repairs: Immediate response to threats to health and safety.
• •Reasonable timeline: Non-emergency repairs within 14-30 days.
• • Tenant-caused damage: Tenant responsible for damage beyond normal wear.
  
  

Keep detailed maintenance records and respond promptly to repair requests.

Rent increase regulations:

• • Lease restrictions: Cannot increase during fixed-term lease unless specified.
• • Notice requirements: 30-60 days advance notice for month-to-month tenants.
• • Frequency limits: Some areas restrict how often rent can be increased.
• • Amount limits: Rent control areas may cap increase percentages.
• • Market rates: No federal limits on rent increases.
• • Retaliatory increases: Cannot raise rent in retaliation for complaints.
• • Documentation: Provide written notice as required by law.
• • Tenant options: Tenants can accept increase or give notice to vacate.
  
  

Research local rent control laws before implementing increases.

Lease violation responses:

• • Document violations: Keep records and photos of lease breaches.
• • Notice to cure: Give tenant opportunity to fix violation (typically 3-30 days).
• • Types of violations: Unauthorized pets, excessive noise, property damage, illegal activities.
• • Escalation procedures: Follow progressive enforcement in lease terms.
• • Eviction option: Pursue eviction for serious or repeated violations.
• • Communication: Discuss issues with tenant before formal action.
• • Consistent enforcement: Apply lease terms equally to all tenants.
• • Legal consultation: Seek advice for complex violation situations.
  
  

Always follow proper legal procedures and documentation requirements.

Pet policy considerations:

• • Market demand: Pet-friendly properties often have competitive advantage.
• • Additional income: Pet deposits and monthly fees increase revenue.
• • Risk management: Potential for property damage and liability issues.
• • Breed restrictions: Consider insurance and liability implications.
• • Size limits: Weight restrictions help control potential damage.
• • Pet screening: Require pet applications, photos, and vaccination records.
• • Pet agreements: Separate pet addendums with specific terms.
• • Deposit amounts: Typically $200-500 per pet plus monthly fees.
  
  

Well-managed pet policies can increase property value and tenant retention.

Effective complaint management:

• • Prompt response: Acknowledge requests within 24-48 hours.
• • Priority system: Emergency vs. routine maintenance scheduling.
• • Documentation: Keep records of all requests and responses.
• • Communication: Keep tenants informed of repair timelines.
• • Quality vendors: Maintain relationships with reliable contractors.
• • Follow-up: Confirm tenant satisfaction after completed work.
• • Emergency procedures: 24/7 contact system for urgent issues.
• • Preventive maintenance: Regular inspections and upkeep reduce complaints.
  
  

Good maintenance management improves tenant satisfaction and property value.

Essential landlord insurance coverage:

• • Landlord insurance: Property coverage specifically for rental properties.
• • Liability protection: Coverage for tenant and visitor injuries.
• • Loss of rent: Income replacement during repairs from covered damages
• • Property damage: Coverage for fire, vandalism, and natural disasters.
• Umbrella policy: Additional liability coverage beyond standard limits.
• • Legal expenses: Coverage for eviction and other legal costs.
• • Fair rental value: Compensation for lost income during uninhabitable periods.
  
  

Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover rental property risks – get proper coverage.