Moving is a big deal and an exciting venture, one that often comes with a lot of questions and heavy decision making. When signing a binding lease agreement, tenants want to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. As a rental property owner or manager, it is essential to be prepared to answer questions and provide as much insight as you can to assist potential tenants through the process of renting a home.
At The Listing Real Estate Management, we deal with thousands of tenant inquiries, receiving the same questions over and over again. Repeat questions are often those that are most important and can be a significant factor in a tenant’s decision to sign a lease. With insight from our team at The Listing, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by tenants in Orlando, and insight on how to answer them correctly.
Most Frequently Asked Tenant Questions During the Leasing Process
1.) What are the applicant qualifications?
All tenant applicants should be held to a specific criteria. Tenants that meet your desired standard are more likely to uphold all aspects of the lease agreement. Application qualifications should include:
- Good credit score (we recommend 550 and higher)
- No past evictions
- Employment verification
- Sufficient and verifiable income (2-3x the rental rate)
- Past landlord references
- Background screening
Applicant qualifications vary depending on the landlord’s preferences. At The Listing Real Estate Management, we enforce a strict screening process to ensure the placement of high quality tenants, and we recommend all landlords and property managers do the same.
2.) Are pets allowed and what are the pet policies?
A significant number of renters will have pets, therefore pet policies often come into question when renting your property. The allowance of pets depends on the property owner’s preference.Â
If your policy allows pets, all applicants should be subject to pet screening and final discretion of the landlord. Property owners should collect a non-refundable pet fee (we recommend $350) and a monthly pet rent fee (at least $25). Although Florida law prohibits public housing from banning pets based solely on their breed and size, private landlords and homeowners can if they choose to do so.Â
3.) What fees do I need to pay before I move in?
Application fees typically range between $30–$60 depending on the landlord’s preferences. In addition, landlords and property managers typically require a security deposit. Florida state law does not limit how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit, however, the standard security deposit is 1-1.5x the monthly rent. Requiring a larger security deposit may deter tenants from your property. Additional fees may include a lease administration fee and a pet fee, if applicable.
Most Frequently Asked Questions During the Move-in ProcessÂ
1.) Am I required to get renters insurance?
Although tenants are not required by law to obtain renters insurance, as a property manager I highly recommend it. Renters insurance provides significant benefits to renters such as covering the cost to repair or replace belongings, personal liabilities, or displacement costs. Additionally, requiring renters insurance helps landlords and property owners reduce liability risk, avoid lawsuits, and provide a less stressful renting experience. Renters can obtain renters insurance through a variety of companies like Allstate, State Farm, or Liberty Mutual.
2.) When is the move-in inspection and how does it work?
A move-in inspection is an assessment of the condition of a rental property at the beginning of the lease and should be conducted within 24-72 hours of move-in. A move-in inspection gives the tenant and property manager the ability to document the property’s condition, noting any damage and used to reassess the property upon move-out. This process ensures the tenant is held responsible for any damage caused during the lease term, and not held liable for any pre-existing damages. Depending on the property owner’s preferences, the move-in inspection may be conducted virtually by the tenant themselves, or with the presence of the property owner or manager.Â
In the case of a self conducted inspection, the tenant is responsible for inspecting and documenting the condition of the property using a checklist and noting any concerns. A conducted inspection involves a detailed walkthrough of the property with the presence of the property owner (or property managers), ensuring both parties agree on the condition of the property.Â
For example, at The Listing Real Estate Management, our tenants conduct self-performed move-in inspections. We provide tenants with a move-in checklist and condition report accessible through their resident center portal. They complete an inspection checklist and upload it to the online portal with photos attached for proof.
3.) How do I receive keys and access the property?
Depending on the property, tenants may receive either a set of keys or an access code. It is important to communicate the type of access your tenant will receive and how to do so on move-in day. Property owners or managers can meet the tenant on move-in day, use a lockbox, or provide written digital access instructions on move-in day.
Most Frequently Asked Questions by Tenants During the Lease
1.) How do I handle maintenance or pest control issues?
Having to deal with maintenance issues is almost inevitable as a tenant and as a rental property owner. The most effective way to tend to maintenance or pest control issues is providing tenants their own online portal. Through the portal, tenants have the ability to submit maintenance requests by describing the issue and submitting photos. As a property owner or manager, you can then assess the situation and take the proper steps to solve the issue effectively.Â
Although some maintenance or pest issues do not have to be addressed immediately, some situations may be considered an emergency and require urgent attention. Tenants should be provided with a 24/7 support line in case of emergency. At The Listing, we deem the following situations an emergency:
- No electricityÂ
- No WaterÂ
- No air conditioning when the sustained outside temperature is above 93 degrees for an extended period of time.
- Toilet not working (one-bathroom homes only)Â
- Flooding or extensive leaks (shut off water supply line immediately.)Â
- Refrigerator InoperableÂ
- Fire, Blood, Burglary, or Robbery (immediately call 911)
2.) How do I pay rent and what happens if I’m late?
Offering multiple rent payment options is essential to cater to the preferences of your tenants. While the most common form of rental payment nowadays is online payments, property managers should offer at least one other payment option. At The Listing, in addition to paying through our online tenant portal, tenants can pay in cash via our PayNearMe option. PayNearMe allows tenants to pay their rent using cash at various convenient locations like 7-Eleven, CVS, Walmart, and Family Dollar.
Rent is typically due on the first of each month, however, most property owners offer a grace period of 1-5 days. If your tenant does not pay by the first of the month, it is important to communicate with them and ensure payment is submitted by the end of the grace period. If your tenant still has not paid by the end of the grace period, the next step would be to issue a 3-day notice to pay or vacate the property. In addition, property managers typically charge a late fee for rental payments.
Giving your tenants a grace period makes the process easier for everyone — your tenant can still pay if they failed to do so initially, and the eviction process can be avoided.Â
3.) Can I make modifications to the property?
Whether or not a tenant can make modifications to a rental property is completely up to the property owner. Each individual lease agreement should specify the guidelines for property modifications. If a property owner wishes to prohibit modifications, the lease agreement should specify the penalty for doing so. In contrast, if a property owner wishes to allow modifications, the lease agreement should specify the terms of what modifications are acceptable.
Most Frequently Asked Move-out Questions
1.) How do I get my security deposit back?
A security deposit is collected at the beginning of the lease term and can be refunded if the tenant upholds the lease agreement and does not leave the property damaged. The security deposit, if applicable, must be returned within 15 days of the move out date. A security deposit ensures that rental property owners do not take a significant financial loss due to damage or payment failure.
The security deposit can be returned to the tenant either partially or in full. To ensure a full refund, tenants must leave the property the way it was prior to the lease — clean and undamaged. Property managers may provide a move-out checklist to aid in the process and ensure the tenant is aware of what must be done to receive the security deposit refund. For example, funds may be deducted for excessive damage including, but not limited to:
- Broken toilet seat, tank or handle
- Unauthorized painting
- Broken windows or missing screens
- Holes in walls, not from doorknobs
- Pet urine stains on walls and carpet
- Holes or tears in linoleumÂ
If no damage is present, security deposits are typically returned within 15 days in the form of a check or ACH payment.
2.) Do I need to deep clean my property before I move out?
As tenants are typically responsible for returning the property back to its original condition, deep cleaning is a must. Some rental property owners and managers require tenants to hire a professional cleaning service at the end of the lease. According to the lease agreement, a property manager can reserve the right to deduct funds from the security deposit if the property is not cleaned to the standard.
3.) Can I move out early?
Some tenants may express the need or desire to move out earlier than the lease end date. Moving out before the lease expiration date would be considered a default and a lease break. Unless otherwise stated in your lease agreement, if a tenant has to break the lease, they are responsible for the remainder of the rent amount until the lease expires or the property is re-occupied. Penalty and charges include covering all costs that the landlord would not have otherwise incurred if you did not break the lease early. Fees a tenant will be required to pay include:Â
- Releasing Fee equal to 75% of one month’s rent
- $195 Lease Preparation & Administration Fee
- Rental payments as they become due until new tenant moves in
- The utilities you cover must be left on until new tenant moves in
- Rent ready repair costs if needed including but not limited to (Repairs, Property Rekey, Professional Cleaning, Professional Carpet Cleaning, Painting, etc.)
Rental Property Advice from an Orlando Property Manager
Renting out your Orlando property comes with a great deal of responsibility. Tending to your applicants and tenants requires knowledge about the rental process and the legal requirements to do so. From start to finish, your tenants will have questions and expect accurate answers and concise communication. Some property owners prefer to take a back seat on the management process and let their investment flourish as a passive income.Â
At The Listing Real Estate Management, our clients don’t have to worry about answering tenant questions, that’s where we come in! Our professional property management team handles all communication from the leasing process to move-out, allowing our property owners to enjoy a stress-free rental experience.Â
Hiring a property manager not only benefits property owners, but also significantly increases the leasing, moving, and living experience for tenants. Your rental property relies on the satisfaction of your tenants; a positive living experience leads to tenant retention and a steady rental income. With a team of experienced property managers, the responsibility of answering questions and communicating frequently with applicants and tenants is taken care of with efficiency and professionalism.
Owning an Orlando rental property is one of the most rewarding investment opportunities when done the right way. Whether you’re a first time rental property owner, an accidental landlord, or an experienced investor, our team at The Listing Real Estate Management is here to guide you to a successful experience and a steady rental income. Contact us today at The Listing Real Estate Management to learn more about our best-in-class property management services!
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