Eviction filings in Florida are 50% higher than they were before the pandemic.
Owning a rental property isn't always a walk in the park. You have to deal with tenants and their issues almost constantly. Even with great tenant screening practices, you need to put measures in place to protect your real estate investment, as well as any other tenants in your property.
Your lease agreement plays a major role in how a tenancy plays out. In today's post, we'll give you a short guide to lease enforcement in your Orlando rental property.
Don't let any oversights in your lease prevent you from enforcing the rules. Keep reading and learn how to manage your property the right way.
Writing a Lease Agreement
The lease agreement that you write up for your tenants will give you a roadmap for lease enforcement. There are basic things you need to include, like the tenants' names and the terms of the lease, but you'll have to go on to dictate the rules of your property, who takes care of maintenance, and what might happen when the lease is broken.
To ensure you're keeping everything above board, make sure to go over rental law in Florida. Your tenants have rights and if you violate these rights in an effort to protect your property, it may be hard to enforce the lease.
You also need to make sure the language in the lease agreement is clear. If there's anything hazy in the agreement, it might be hard to hold your tenant accountable in a court of law.
What to Do When There's a Lease Violation
Common lease violations involve late rent payment, damage to property, having pets in the property, and conducting illegal activity on the premises. When it comes to handling lease violations, your focus should always be on prevention.
Consider asking for a security deposit ahead of a tenancy. This gives you some financial insurance in the event the tenant has damaged the property or failed to pay rent. If you suspect your tenant has violated the lease you've both signed, it's important to go about things the right way.
Performing a routine property inspection is the best way to confirm your suspicions. You're allowed to inspect your property as much as you like, but doing it too much may violate a tenant's rights. Make sure to give them at least 24 hours notice before entering the property.
If you find a tenant has violated the lease agreement, communication is the next step. Make sure that they understand the consequences of a violation, as laid out in the lease agreement. You may need to give them a written notice, which is the precursor to an eviction.
Lease Enforcement and Property Management
Lease enforcement can be a huge headache for property owners. Between understanding Florida's tenant-landlord laws to confronting your tenant about their lease violations, it's almost always easier to hire a property manager.
At Verandah Properties, we've been serving greater Orlando's rental property owners for over 20 years. We can help you with everything from tenant screening and lease enforcement to property maintenance and repairs, so contact us today to find out more about our services.