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Rent Stabilization Lease

What is a “Rent Stabilization Lease”?

Rent stabilization is a form of control over housing pricing, originating
in the first half of the 20th century, that’s often described as a form of insurance 
for tenants against unreasonable rent increases. 

Secure your future…

How Long is the lease period?

Rent Stabilization Leases are for a three-year period. 

How Do I Qualify for a “Rent Stabilization Lease”?

  • Must have a 685 + credit score.
  • Provable income, positive rental history and pass our complete background and credit check.
  • Tenants must agree to sign a three-year lease agreement.
  • Tenants must earn 3x of the highest rental rate to qualify for the Rent Stabilization Lease. This will be the rental rate that the tenant will be paying for the last six months of the lease. To calculate the amount of the early termination rate, add $300 to the base rental rate which is the amount that they will be paying for the first 6 months.
  • Rent will increase by $50 every 6 months over a three-year period.
  • For the Rent Stabilization, Three Year lease the tenant will pay the First month’s rent, security deposit, and the early termination fee.
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Hurricane Checklist

Hurricane Preparedness Instructions and Checklist

Important Information:

 □ Local news and weather station(s) TV & Radio: _________________________________

 □ Nearest hurricane shelter: __________________________________________________

□ Local Police and Fire Dept: _________________________________________________

□ Location of electric panel to shut off main breaker: _____________________________

□ Location of water shutoff valve in case of evacuation: ____________________________

□ Renters Insurance Company telephone # _______________________________________

□ Landlord Telephone # to call landlord in case of evacuation: _______________________

Important Supplies:

□ flash lights,

 □ batteries,

 □ battery powered radio,

 □ drinking water, □ propane camping stove, fuel

 □ pre-packaged nonperishable food. (Enough for 3 to 7 days),

□ non-electric can opener, cooking tools.

 □ water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

 □ fully charged cell phone □ Tool set □ First Aid Kit / Prescription medications / refills /

□ Pet food, if you have a pet If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

□ Listen to the radio or TV for information.

 □ Fill your car with gasoline.

□ Get cash. Following a hurricane, banks and ATMs may be closed.

□ Close all windows and storm shutters.

□ Secure all lawn furniture and any other outside items that could become projectiles.

 □ Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

 □ Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

□ Moor your boat if time permits.

□ Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.

 □ Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

 □ If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

 □ If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.

 □ If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

□ If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

□ If you feel you are in danger. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

 □ Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

□ Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.

□ Keep curtains and blinds closed. □ Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.

 □ Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

 □ Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

If you must evacuate, follow these guidelines: □ Stay updated on storm advisories

 □ Map out your evacuation route. Do not get on the road without knowing where you are going.

 □ Evacuate early if told you must evacuate.

 □ Don’t forget to bring your important documents (deed to your home, lease, etc), in waterproof container and in plastic bags.

 □ Don’t forget to bring your house keys.

□ Have a plan for your pet.

Contact your local humane society for advice keeping your pet safe. Remember, shelters usually do not accommodate pets.

 □ Notify friends and family of your plan.

 □ If you have special needs, you should register with a local emergency management office.

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Digitally Sign Your Documents

Easily sign your lease, lease renewal or contract from your Iphone, Ipad, Android or computer with the following easy steps.

Iphone / Ipad / Android Phone

Download the Adobe Fill and Sign Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play

  • Open your mail program
  • View the attachment
  • Tap the Share button
  • Choose Open in Adobe Fill & Sign
  • Tap the sign button
  • Create your signature by signing with your finger
  • Move the signature or initials to the spot on the form to sign
  • Save and reply with the attachment

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

  • Open the PDF attachment in Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Click Fill & Sign from the the Tools menu, open Fill & Sign
  • Click the box “You” fill and sign
  • Click Sign from the menu
  • Drag and drop your signature in box for your signature
  • or choose the AB cursor option and add a text box and type in your signature or initials
  • Click Next and click Save
  • Choose the folder to save your document
  • Reply to the email and add the signed document as an attachment
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California Investor Rental Restrictions

Investors are finding too many rental restrictions in the state of California.

Savvy Real Estate investors are selling their rental properties in California and reinvesting in Florida rental properties. These investors are learning that Florida Landlord-Tenant laws are less restrictive and lean more towards the landlord. There are also no limits on rental rate increases and the eviction process is less complicated.

As Florida property managers, Rent Me Florida manages homes and condos at low flat monthly rates. We provide rental investors full-service property management and collection services for a low flat monthly fee of $89 per month.

Being a real estate investor myself and having been investing and leasing in Florida residential Real Estate since 1992, in 2007 I founded Rent Me Florida.

Rent Me Florida was created with the investor in mind. Give me a call… I can answer all your questions on what areas are the most lucrative for renting, average market rent rates and the ins and outs of buying and leasing real estate in Florida. I look forward to working with you!

Invest in Florida Real Estate

There is not better time to invest in Florida rental property.

SW Florida is growing at a rapid pace.  With over 1,000 people per day moving to the area. Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties are looking at a growth rate of 40-60% over the next 20 years. Most people coming to Florida rent for the first year or two to establish themselves in the community. In 2017 34.85% of households were renters according to Census ACS data. 

Mary Hank, CEO
Rent Me Florida, LLC
941-474-2882 ext.111

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Tips on how to remain a good tenant

Number 1: PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME

Send your rent check directly to your landlord at the mailing address as written on your lease agreement, at least 3-5 days before it is due depending on how long the US Mail will take to deliver it to the landlord’s address. Contact your landlord right away in the event that you may be late with the rent due to an unforeseen family problem. REMEMBER, COMMUNICATION IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LANDLORD.

Number 2: Transfer all utilities

Be sure that you transfer all of the utilities that you are responsible for paying for the first day of the lease agreement.

Number 3: Take Care of the Property

Keep your rental home in good working order by repairing problems right away and maintaining the cosmetic condition of the home.

Number 4: Read and Understand Your Rental Agreement

Be sure to keep your lease in a safe place so you may refer to it should you have questions pertaining to any part of your agreement. In the event that you lose your lease contact your landlord and request that they mail you a copy of the original lease agreement that you both signed. In the event that the landlord does not have a copy, you may order a copy of your lease by contacting RENT ME FLORIDA, Customer Service.

Number 5: Be a Good Neighbor

Use common sense about guests, parties, noise and related items, and by keeping the outside of your home free of garbage and keeping the lawn groomed. If parking spaces are provided for you, use only the spaces designated to you and to your guests.

Number 6: Obtain Rental Insurance

Renter’s insurance is very inexpensive and will cover your items if there should be an accident, fire or natural disaster, etc. Your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance only covers the property NOT your personal items.

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Security Deposits

At Rent Me Florida the homeowner (lessor) will hold the tenant’s security deposit in a Florida branch bank. (Unless stated otherwise in the lease.)

The security deposit helps protect you from potential damage, eviction and vacancy costs. It is best practice to require one month’s rent as a security deposit, however, there is no limit to what you can charge.

Florida Security Deposit Law

Security Deposit Rules and Regulation for Residential Leases

It is always a good idea to require a security deposit when renting our your Florida property. The security deposit helps protect you from potential damage, eviction and vacancy costs. It is best practice to require one month’s rent as a security deposit, however there is no limit to what you can charge.

Holding of Tenant Security Deposit

You have three choices of where to store the security deposit.

  1. Non-Interest Bearing Account: The security deposit can be held in a non-interest bearing bank account in the state of Florida. The landlord must not commingle this money with any other funds or use the money before it is due to them.
  2. Interest Bearing Account: If the landlord chooses to place the security deposit into an interest bearing Florida bank account, they are required to pay the tenant interest accumulated on the account annually and at the end of the lease term. The interest can be paid directly to the tenant or can be credited back in the form of rent.
    The landlord must not commingle the money or use prior to it actually being due them. Also, if the tenant breaks their lease, no interest is due.
  3. Surety Bond:The landlord can post a surety bond for the amount of the security deposit, or $50,000, whichever is less. The landlord must also pay the tenant five percent interest annually on the bond.

Florida Security Deposit Rules

When your tenant gives notice be sure to know the Florida rules for handling their security deposit.

If you plan on returning the full security deposit:

You have 15 days to return the security deposit along with any interest earned.

If you plan on keeping any portion of the security deposit:

You must notify your tenant in writing within 30 days of the lease end that you intend on keeping all or any portion of their deposit.

  • Send the notice to the address you have on file for the tenant via certified mail. It is the tenant’s responsibility to provide you with their forwarding address. If they do not, you as landlord are not required to provide written notice.
  • List the reasons why you intend to keep all or a portion of the security deposit.
  • Inform the tenant they have 15 days to contest this letter, but it must be in writing.
    If you do not inform the tenant within 30 days, then you automatically forfeit your right to keep any portion of the security deposit.
  • If the tenant does NOT object to your claim, then you can deduct the amount you claimed. But, you must return the remainder to the tenant within 30 days of the initial notice.
  • If the tenant DOES object, this matter could go to court. The winning party will be entitle to the court awarded sum, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Landlord Security Deposit Notice of Intention to Impose a Claim

As a landlord you may at some point need to impose a claim on a tenant’s security deposit. Be sure that you review the Florida Security Deposit Rules.

You may download a letter to send to you tenant here:

Download PDF Version (opens in new window)

Download Word Version (opens in new window)

Note.—Former s. 83.261.

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Work Order Process and Troubleshooting Guide

For non-emergency Work Order / Maintenance Requests!

Work Order / Maintenance Requests

Things can go wrong with any property; at some point, you may need to request maintenance on the property you are leasing. Prior to submitting a maintenance/work order request, please view the guide listed below for the most common maintenance problems.  In many cases, we have found, that if our tenants know what to look for when an issue arises, they may be able to quickly resolve the issue without the delay and inconvenience of arranging for a service call. Please view the following guide for the most common maintenance problems encountered.

A customer service representative will then issue a work order. Be sure to check your email, all work orders are issued to the vendor, the owner, and the tenant. Once the repair has been authorized by the owner, the vendor will contact the tenant directly for access.

What is considered an emergency?

  • Fire / Smoke inside the property – Call 911 first and then the after-hours line. 941-474-2882 ext. 221
  • Burst pipes or excessive water leaks – TURN OFF THE WATER AT THE MAINLINE and call the after-hours line
  • Sewage back up or ALL toilets in the home stopped up – Stop all water use and call the after-hours line
  • No AC and the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above
  • No HEAT and the outside temperature is 55 degrees or below

If you have an emergency after regular business hours please call 941-474-2882 dial extension 221 and leave a detailed message.

Emergency maintenance requests will be addressed as quickly as possible, based on the availability of service personnel and/or resources of parts.
PLEASE BE AWARE COMPLETION OF THE REPAIR MAY NOT BE ON THE SAME DAY!
All issues considered emergencies will be handled as quickly as possible, and all non-emergency calls will be returned the following business day.

Troubleshooting Guide

Air Conditioning

  • Check the filter – a dirty filter can wreak havoc on an A/C unit. Changing a dirty filter helps the system work well and produces colder air
  • Condenser doesn’t run – Check for tripped circuit breakers at the main panel
  • Unit won’t cool – Lower the thermostat by 5 degrees and remove debris blocking the condenser, cut down weeds, grass, or vines around the unit.
  • The unit froze up – Turn the unit completely off and let the unit thaw out and dry before turning it back on. Check if a return is a vent and is possibly blocked.

Appliances

  • Dishwasher Does not work (no lights or sound) – Check that it is plugged in – look in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. Do not pull the dishwasher out of its cabinet

Water / Water Systems

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Move Out Process

Lease Expiration

If your lease is about to expire and you are planning to move out and, in accordance with your rental agreement you are required to give a forwarding address 5 days prior to your lease expiration.

You may call 941-474-2882, email customerservice@rentmeflorida.com or serve notice via the “Notice to Vacate” page. Please confirm your move-out date and forwarding address.  Once your notice is received, we will begin looking for a new tenant, while we understand this is an inconvenience, RMF will make every effort to find a new renter with minimum bother to you.

Security Deposit Refunds:

For the return of your entire security deposit, please comply with the following:

  • Provide at least a five-day notice prior to your lease expiration
  • Provide RMF with a forwarding address
  • Reside in compliance with the full term of your lease agreement
  • No damage to property beyond normal wear and tear
  • Upon vacating be sure to clean the entire unit:
    • The unit must be completely free of trash, and dust
    • Appliances (including underneath) Stove-top burners and drip pans, range hood & exhaust fans, top of refrigerator and stove must be spotless.  If drip pans cannot be cleaned they should be replaced. Interior of refrigerator empty and cleaned, stove and oven empty, clean and free of grease.
    • Cupboards, drawers, kitchen counters & sinks must be wiped out and cleaned
    • Bathroom to include tub, tile, sinks wiped out, and mirrors cleaned. Be sure to wipe out all cabinets, vanities, medicine cabinets and drawers.
    • Spot wash walls, doors, baseboards, registers, light fixtures, switches/outlets
    • Clean the interior of windows, window tracks, window coverings/blinds, and sliding doors.
    • Air Handler closet, laundry room and garage
    • All light fixtures must be cleaned and burned out bulbs replaced.
    • A/C filters must be replaced
    • All nails used for hanging pictures etc. must be removed from walls and ceilings. Touch up the interior paint touched up where needed to blend with the existing paint. For extensive marking and smears, it may be necessary to paint an entire wall, ceiling or room. Do not use glossy paint over flat paint, or flat paint over a glossy paint. Fingers, a small wet towel or Q-tips are really great tools for smoothing out and filling in nail holes. Do not leave unsmoothed spackling showing.
    • Mow lawn, trim all shrubs, weed flower beds and remove any debris.
    • Remove all trash and debris from inside trash containers
    • Carpets vacuumed and cleaned
    • All smoke detectors must be left in working condition.  If the alarm is currently beeping replace the battery.
    • All Trash needs to be removed from the property this includes trash/recycling bins, do not leave bins at the street or full of garbage
    • The garage or carport must be hosed or swept.
    • Lanai, Patio, pool deck, storage closet/shed must be “broom clean” and free from debris and trash
  • Have no unpaid late charges or delinquent rent.
  • Final utility bills must be paid.
  • Return all keys to RMF or place in lockbox if provided. Please leave all garage door remotes and extra keys in the kitchen drawer.

Failure to return your keys

You will be charged rent until the keys are received. You could also be charged a locksmith fee, which will be deducted from your security deposit.

Final Walk-Through and Inspection of Property

RMF makes every effort to inspect the property as quickly as possible after your departure. The unit must be completely vacant and cleaning finished prior to our inspection. 

RMF will use the Tenant Walkthrough Evaluation, which was filled out by you when you first occupied the unit. If any of the above items were not clean and/or damaged when you moved in, it should have been noted on your TENANT WALKTHROUGH EVALUATION sheet (which was provided to you at the time of your lease signing) and you will not be responsible for that cleaning or repair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I allow smokers in my rental home?

Rent Me Florida’s standard lease states that there shall be NO Smoking in the interior of the home.  This means that they are not allowed to smoke inside the home, but it is legal to smoke on the lanai, porch or patio.  However, you as the homeowner could refuse to allow any smoking on the property.

How are utilities handled? Do I pay or does the tenant?

For most unfurnished annual leases, the tenants are responsible for assuming and paying for the monthly utilities; unless otherwise noted on the lease or if covered by the HOA.
City Water / Sewer: Even though the tenant is responsible for the monthly bill, the homeowner in many cases is responsible for any outstanding water invoices.  It is good practice to collect a water deposit which will be refundable once the tenant has vacated and paid the account to zero.
For vacation / short term rentals:  The utilities remain in the name of the home owner and are payable by the home owner.  Caps can be specified per lease.

Should I take a Section 8 Voucher?

Section 8 is a personal choice and does require some additional paperwork and inspections.   But, this service does mean that you are guaranteed to receive your rent from Section 8 on time each month.  There are also yearly inspections requiring both the tenant and the homeowner to keep the property in a habitable condition.

Please Contact Rent Me Florida Customer Service for any additional questions not listed here.

Can Rent Me Florida help me sell my home?

To better serve our clients, Rent Me Florida specializes only in rentals.  But we have numerous professional Real Estate Sales Affiliates that we would be happy to refer you to.

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