A Guide for Florida Renters

Preparing to Rent

Budgeting for Your Rental

Before looking for the perfect place to rent, start by getting to know your budget and understanding all the costs associated with renting. Generally, renters should use no more than 30% of their gross income for rent.

Common upfront costs:
  • Application fee(s)
  • First and last month's rent
  • Pet deposits
  • Renters insurance
  • Security deposits
Common recurring costs:
  • Amenity fees
  • Pet fees
  • Parking fees
  • Utilities

Before You Sign the Lease

Before you sign the lease, make sure you read and understand the terms of the agreement.

Always make copies of your lease or download a copy of your lease if your landlord uses a portal. It’s possible you lose access to your lease if the property management changes or if your account gets locked.

Most rental agreements are written because oral agreements can be subject to misunderstandings and are difficult to prove.

Before you move in and prior to moving out, conduct a walk-through with the landlord and document any damage with photographs.

Ask questions

  • What is the move-in/move-out process like?
  • How long is the lease term?
  • What utilities or amenities are included or not included in the rent cost?
  • How much is the security deposit?
  • When is rent due and how do you pay the rent?
  • Is renters’ insurance required?
  • Is subletting allowed?

Protect Yourself

Rental Agreement Red Flags

  • Rental opportunities that sound too good to be true probably are.
  • Be aware of vague listing details or being asked to sign a lease without seeing the property.
  • Beware of oral rental agreements, they can be subject to misunderstanding and are difficult to prove.
  • Be cautious about providing payment via wire transfers or cash apps.

Renters' Rights

    All rental units must be fit for habitation and maintained to minimum property maintenance standards, including but not limited to:
  • Doors/windows that function and lock; walls, ceilings, floors, and interior finishes maintained in good repair
  • Electric and plumbing maintained in good repair with hot water supplied to kitchen(s) and bathroom(s).
  • Permanent heating source must be provided, and all provided appliances must function as intended.

Withholding Rent

Florida Law does not allow a landlord to force a tenant out by:

  • Shutting off the utilities or interrupting service, even if that service is under the control of the landlord.
  • Changing the locks or using a device that denies the tenant access.
  • Removing the tenant's personal property from the dwelling unless the action is taken after the surrender, abandonment, or recovery of possession of the rental unit due to lawful eviction or the death of the last remaining tenant

Retaliation and Discrimination are Illegal

A landlord may not raise your rent or threaten to evict you because you reported a health or safety violation or filed a fair housing complaint. A landlord cannot treat you differently because of your race, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation, among other criteria.

Find Assistance

The following agencies are available to provide assistance to renters facing eviction.

211 Tampa Bay Cares
211 or text your zip code to 898211
211tampabay.org
Free referral service for housing, food, health insurance, and more

Community Law Program
727-582-7480
lawprogram.org
Free legal assistance for low-income residents

Bay Area Legal
800-625-2257
bals.org
Free legal assistance for low-income residents, seniors, and veterans 

Gulfcoast Legal Services
727-821-0726
gulfcoastlegal.org
Free legal assistance for low-income residents

 

 

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