With nearly any business, there is typically a long list of legal responsibilities that must be followed. But some entail more than others – which is the case when you are a landlord. Because of that, it is essential to not only be aware of, but to also comply with the Florida landlord tenant laws. Otherwise, you could face some significant penalties.
These include complying with the Anti-Discrimination Laws. In this case, before you even advertise a property you have for lease, you need to make sure that you aren’t discriminating against possible tenants based on numerous factors, such as race, religion, national origin, gender, family status (such as having a child or children who are under the age of 18), and physical / mental disability).
Other rules that must be complied with include
- Following State Rental Rules
- Meeting State Security Deposit Limits and Return Rules
- Providing Habitable Housing
- Preparing a Legal Written Lease or Rental Agreement
- Making Legally Required Disclosures
- Respecting Your Tenant’s Privacy
- Not Retaliating Against Tenants Who Exercise their Legal Rights
- Following Specific Procedures If You Need to Terminate a Lease or Evict a Tenant
For more in-depth information on each of these points – and to make sure that you are working within each of these laws – you can visit the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_rights_and_obligations.
It can be beneficial, and much less time consuming, to work with an experienced property manager when you are marketing and maintaining a rental home. That way, you can better ensure that the rules are being followed. In addition, going this route can help you to free up more of your time to focus on other things.
If you own rental real estate in Orlando and / or the surrounding Central Florida area, give us a call for more details.