Florida has long been known as a great place to retire, or even to live temporarily during the cold winter months up north. So, it is possible that you could have seniors residing in your rental unit(s). If so, there are some important factors to consider both before you sign a lease with a senior citizen, as well as during their time in your property, such as:
- Federal law on housing discrimination.
- Safety.
- Contact information.
- Pet policy.
While many rental property owners are not aware, there are certain laws that apply if you are renting to senior citizens. For instance, the federal housing and anti-discrimination laws state that landlords / investment property owners are not allowed to discriminate against tenants (or potential tenants) due to age.
It is also important that you keep your property(ies) safe when it comes to older renters. In this regard, you could add grab bars in the shower(s) and next to toilet(s), and install handrails on the front porch. Further, having the contact information of your senior tenants’ loved ones can be helpful in case you need to get in touch with them because of an emergency.
Many older people have pets that can keep them active and help to combat loneliness. In fact, oftentimes, pets are part of their family. With that in mind, make sure that you make your units pet-friendly.
If there is concern about damage and/or disturbance to the neighbors, you could have some stipulations with this, such as enforcing a weight limit and/or limiting the number of pets you allow in the property.
Finding the right tenants for your property – along with ensuring that you are complying with housing laws – can be a bit time-consuming. But if you have a property manager on your team, the time spent doesn’t have to be yours.
If you own one or more rental units in Orlando or the Central Florida locale, give us a call and find out how CFL Property Management can give you back your time and make your life easier.