Landlord Tips and Resources
MIAMI-DADE LANDLORDS:
The Fair Housing Act is a set of laws that outline protections for buyers and renters against discrimination. In addition to laws against discriminating for race, color, religion, sex, familiar status or national origin or handicap… “source of income” is an added protection in Miami-Dade County.
If you are a landlord in Miami-Dade County, this applies to you:
MIAMI-DADE PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SOURCE OF INCOME. THE LAW IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 11A – DISCRIMINATION, ARTICLE II. – housing, sec. 11a-11. – DEFINITIONS, (12) SOURCE OF INCOME SHALL MEAN THE LAWFUL, VERIFIABLE INCOME PAID DIRECTLY TO A TENANT OR PAID TO A REPRESENTATIVE OF A TENANT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS, SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, SOCIAL SECURITY, PENSIONS AND OTHER RETIREMENT BENEFITS.
When you’re a landlord, it’s only a matter of time before you’re hit with challenges. Most challenges can be dealt with by following state landlord/tenant law. However, it’s best to be proactive and strategic in managing your investment(s) to help avoid having to deal with rental property challenges.
These 7 Steps of Landlording will help avoid the most common challenges landlords face with rental properties.
One of the best ways to avoid issues is focusing on attracting the best quality tenant. One way to do this is make sure your rental property is well maintained. Make sure it’s very clean. A fresh coat of paint makes a world of difference! And think about making a few inexpensive updates every time the property is vacant… like update a light fixture, add mulch to the front yard, change your light bulbs to “daylight”.
ATTRACT THE BEST TENANTS POSSIBLE by OFFERING YOUR PROPERTY IN CLEAN, WELL-MAINTAINED AND UPDATED CONDITION!
Simple inexpensive Home Staging techniques will help get you top dollar in the shortest amount of time
when you’re renting your property. It helps properties rent faster. It also helps to attract better quality tenants, those that will take care of your property keep it clean and looking good.
use a solid tenant screening system
and treat every tenant exactly the same
Create a solid Tenant Screening system that you can apply to every prospective tenant interested in renting from you. By applying the same exact system to every prospective tenant, there would be no discrimination. Discrimination is certainly something all landlords need to be aware of as there are many law firms that deal directly in lawsuits due to discrimination.
Use a comprehensive Tenant Application that asks enough questions to answer all the questions you should be asking. For instance, how many people would be living in the property including adults and minors. You will need this information to prepare the lease, as well as for any condo associations. Consider the impact of occupants on any septic system, size of driveway, association limitations etc. Ask about employment, current and previous addresses and why they are moving. Ask for vehicle information because you may have limitations of driveway space, association limits.
security deposits
Create a solid Tenant Screening system that you can apply to every prospective tenant interested in renting from you. By applying the same exact system to every prospective tenant, there would be no discrimination. Discrimination is certainly something all landlords need to be aware of as there are many law firms that deal directly in lawsuits due to discrimination.
Use a comprehensive Tenant Application that asks enough questions to answer all the questions you should be asking. For instance, how many people would be living in the property including adults and minors. You will need this information to prepare the lease, as well as for any condo associations. Consider the impact of occupants on any septic system, size of driveway, association limitations etc. Ask about employment, current and previous addresses and why they are moving. Ask for vehicle information because you may have limitations of driveway space, association limits.
