Florida Rental Laws - An Overview of Landlord Tenant Rights in First Coast
November 15, 2023, 3:42 pm
In Florida, the relationship between a landlord and a tenant can be established in any of three ways. That is, if the rental agreement is made orally, in written form, or once the landlord accepts a rent payment or a security deposit.
Under the Florida landlord-tenant laws, once a landlord-tenant...
Being a landlord is a role with its own set of responsibilities, and being a long-distance landlord adds another degree of complication to the mix. The geographical distance between you and your rental property might make managing it appear intimidating.
Suncastle Property Management's objective...
When you're a landlord, your main objective is keeping your investment property's value growing as time passes. This leads to an increase in demand if your property retains its attractiveness.
If you ever decide to sell your property in the future, you'll be able to fetch a higher price since it's...
As a landlord, you must do everything you can to avoid property damage. A damaged rental property can drive your tenants away and cost you your rental income. Plus, it can leave you with a negative cash flow due to the added costs of emergency repairs and maintenance.
Property damage can be broad...
Landlords have the right to ask for a security deposit. The deposit basically acts as a financial cushion against any loss that the tenant might be responsible for, such as, causing damage exceeding normal wear and tear, and failing to pay rent.
Florida, just like many other states, has security d...
As an investment property owner, you’ll encounter the term normal wear and tear frequently. But what does it mean? Normal wear and tear represents a natural and gradual decline in the value of your vacation rental due to its continued use by the tenants. This is an expected outcome that cannot be bl...
It can be daunting to manage tenants especially if you are a first-time landlord. However, even after much preparation there are always unique issues that you may not have anticipated but will need to deal with eventually.
Some of these issues include someone living in your property without havin...
In your career as a landlord, one thing is assured, you’ll experience a vacancy at some point. This is especially true when it comes to vacation rentals. Every time your vacation rental is vacant you’ll have to go through the process of finding new renters.
This means doing everything from advert...
Managing a property is an involving process. From staying on top of maintenance issues to regular communication with tenants, it’s a process that requires a lot of commitment and patience.
When done right, owning a property can be a rewarding investment. It can help the property owner build wealt...
If you're a self-managing property owner, the current COVID-19 pandemic may be causing you additional stress. On top of your regular responsibilities and duties, you must now abide by strict safety protocols. The coronavirus is extremely contagious, so following the precautions is more important tha...
Before marketing, conducting a vacation rental inspection is a must. Turning over a vacation rental without checking for issues can put off guests and may even score you bad reviews in your vacation rental business.
Make it a point to always scrutinize and examine the functionality of your applia...
Property owners are maximizing the marketing power of a video walk-through tour. In fact, in 2020 it’s estimated that 63% of home buyers made the purchase without ever having seen the property in person. You now have a good idea of how much engagement videos acquire.
These days, most social media...
Landlords in Florida have a legal right to evict their tenants for certain lease violations. Normally, evicting a tenant in Florida takes anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. However, it may take longer depending on the eviction reason and whether or not the tenant contests it.
Common reasons for eviction...
As a landlord, conducting a tenant walk-through inspection can help you get the property back in better shape after the tenant leaves. You’ll also be able to, among other things, prevent costly repairs and avoid disputes over damages. The following are tips to help you conduct a successful walk-thro...
Converting your home into a rental and becoming a full-time landlord can be an exciting and rewarding career path. It offers the potential for financial stability, increased independence, and the opportunity to shape your own business.
If you've been successfully managing your rental properties...
As a landlord, you've invested a lot of time, effort, and money into your property, and now it's time to ensure a seamless transition between tenants. To impress your new tenants and protect your investment, you need the power of end-of-tenancy cleaning.
In this blog, we at Suncastle Properties w...
Running a rental business can be a bit tricky if you don't have the right documents on hand. Most rental documents are often legally binding contracts. Also, federal law requires you to have some documents, such as a rental agreement. Without these documents, you may be subject to penalties and fine...
If you're an investment property owner, you're probably wondering: What are the problems that I can avoid making with my First Coast vacation rental?
Our experience has allowed us to list the following errors that we most commonly help property owners avoid.
No matter the kind of experience you...
The quality of your property and rental income go hand in hand. The same is true when it comes to the correlation between a property’s appearance and the quality of tenants it attracts. By making your vacation rental attractive, you may be able to attract the right tenant and maximize your income.
...
Did you know that over 2,500 individuals are entering the rental market every day?
As a result of this large number, it’s important to take the necessary precautions in order to secure the right renters and to protect your property in Florida's First Coast
In reality, it doesn’t matter if you a...
6 Mistakes Real Estate Investors Make When Budgeting for Their Vacation Property
May 27, 2023, 11:15 am
When it comes to budgeting, there are a lot of common mistakes that are made. If you are new to the real estate world and you have never purchased an income property before on Florida’s First Coast; you will want to make note of this article and the mistakes most people make.
There is no better wa...
Do vacation rentals in Florida’s First Coast need damage deposits?
Many owners seem to be unsure about this, but there are many benefits to having a damage deposit policy. One of them being so that you have financial backup for if or when something goes wrong.
You can decide on the extent of the...
Do you want to boost your vacation rental bookings?
The style and quality of your vacation rental listing have a huge impact on the interest it generates among travellers. When you do everything the right way, you could enjoy a significant advantage compared to competing listings.
Many vacation...
As a landlord, by investing in the interests of your tenants, you increase your return on investment. Property renovations help increase a unit's desirability. In turn, you can expect a high occupancy rate.
There are a lot of ways to spruce up a rental unit, from subtle fixes like updating hardwar...
It is becoming increasingly common for individuals to adopt and own pets. It's no surprise that pets provide emotional comfort, especially with today's fast paced and stress-ridden lifestyle.
If you own a vacation rental property, it's important to decide whether you wish to adopt an open pet poli...
Are you trying to make sense of the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment?
Tenants have basic rights that landlords have to respect at all times. These are fully incorporated into the structure of modern lease agreements.
However, as a first-time landlord, you may find certain legal concepts confu...
If you’re someone who owns a vacation rental home, you’re aware of the fact that your guest booked your rental to enjoy a holiday break. Your goal is to offer that relaxing experience that begins the moment they step into your vacation rental.
To ensure that you’ve done your best to design a spect...
The first priority of any typical vacation rental host is to increase bookings and maximize occupancy. However, if you are experiencing a surge in booking cancellations, then that can greatly slow down your bookings.
At that point, you would want to ask yourself – what is causing the spike in canc...
Being a landlord means you'll be facing situations during which your decision-making skills will be frequently tested. One of these dilemmas will be between choosing to implement a month-to-month lease versus a fixed-term lease.
Each type of lease entails different benefits and drawbacks. This art...
As a landlord, it's important to make sure your property is in good hands. That's why renewal screening checks are a crucial part of the rental process. Whether you’re just starting out as a landlord or are a seasoned investor, understanding these checks is key to protecting yourself and your prop...
A lease agreement is a long-term contract and runs anywhere between 6 months and a year, whereas a rental agreement typically runs on a monthly basis. A holdover tenant is a tenant who overstays the term of their lease!
Holdover tenants are also referred to as “tenants at sufferance.” It simply m...
Are you looking to rent out your property, but struggling to craft the perfect property listing that will attract potential renters? Writing a good property listing is your chance to showcase the unique features and benefits of your property to entice potential renters to schedule a viewing!
In...
You’ve probably heard about all the benefits that come with real estate investing. Industry leaders talk about its stability as an investment asset, its consistency in rental income, and the various tax advantages available to them.
After years of planning your finances, you may see now as the rig...
Are you a landlord dedicated to making your rental meet all safety standards? Making sure tenants and guests feel safe and comfortable is the highest priority for any responsible landlord. While it takes some effort, following a few simple steps can help ensure compliance with local health codes, fi...
When managing your rental home, you’ll be exposed to different kinds of personalities. Some renters are bound to be loud and this can result in complaints from neighbors or other tenants. If you’re renting out a unit in your building, you may also get a warning from an HOA member or building supervi...
There are a lot of advantages to having long-term tenants that appeal to property owners. Having a consistent flow of rental income, reducing vacancy rates, and not having to worry about regular property marketing are some that are worth mentioning.
Even if there is a highly competitive market w...
Do you want to attract more attention to your available rental properties? Knowing how to advertise is vital!
When you have a rental property, one of your top priorities should be to implement a solid marketing plan. When your property is marketed well, you can reduce your vacancies, attract hi...
Are you thinking of renting out your home in St Augustine? The additional income can be a great way to increase your savings or pay off debt, especially during slow market periods when its difficult to sell.
While there are many other reasons to rent out your home, it can be tricky to navigate the...
Are you looking to invest in St. Augustine, Florida real estate? Buying an investment property can help you earn passive income and when done right you could see impressive returns!
St. Augustine exudes an old-world charm being recognized as among the oldest cities in the US. It carries a wealth...
With so many tourists visiting St. Augustine each year, as an investor, purchasing a rental home in America's oldest city may seem like a no-brainer. The city offers mild weather all year, sun-drenched beaches, family-friendly attractions, and unique Spanish colonial architecture.
However, invest...
Are you thinking about investing in a rental property in St. Augustine? You’ve come to the right place! This beautiful and historic city has consistently proven itself to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in America.
St. Augustine hosts about 6 million tourists each year seeking i...
A lease agreement is a legally binding contractual document. It runs for anywhere between 6 months and a year. Within this period, a tenant must uphold all the lease terms, including paying rent whether or not they live there.
In Florida, a tenant may need to break their lease agreement for vario...
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) takes into consideration the interests of property buyers and renters to reduce discriminatory practices. As a rental owner, it's essential to know the basics of the FHA and how it will affect your rental business operation, whether you're compliant or not.
Being aware o...
Are you serious about immersing yourself in the rental investment industry? If you are, you'll find that navigating this business is easier once you learn some of the common terms. This way, you won't be clueless when you find yourself in the company of realtors discussing rental investments. You'll...
When booking vacation rentals, cleanliness scores matter. Even if the unit has the latest technology features and is centrally located, if it's dirty, people will pass. One of the best feelings is opening a door to a rental place and being greeted by a spotless space that smells fresh. Therefore, it...
Are you looking for the best beaches in Ponte Vedra, Florida?
Ponte Vedra and the St. Augustine area is home to numerous beautiful beaches. Most of the beaches retain their unique character, making beach hopping in the area a delight for visitors and locals alike.
If you're looking for a gorgeou...
If you're planning to move but don't want to sell your home, you can consider renting it out. Having consistent cash flow from tenants is an opportunity you don't want to pass up. However, converting your home to a rental property isn't as easy as you may think.
In this article, you'll learn the b...
Can you recall the last time you had excellent accommodation while away from home?
Chances are, it made your vacation more enjoyable, and you were glad that the property owner had taken initiatives and thought of your every need.
Some amenities may seem trivial, but to vacationers, the smallest...
Have you decided to become a landlord?
Buying a rental property or converting your residence into a rental is a big step. Committing to becoming a rental property owner has the potential to change your financial situation for good. You'll receive steady profits and have the ability to make further...
If we consider the number of vacation rentals being marketed in Florida’s First Coast, you would find plenty online, while driving around, and even on print advertisements. As a property owner, instinct dictates that your property must stand out against the competition. It would be to your own benef...