The most important thing to search for in an Orlando apartment is a fair price…or is it a nice pool, or maybe a pickleball court? Well, that’s for you to decide! As everyone has different priorities, the experience of searching for an apartment in Orlando will vary. However, there are a few things everyone should know before searching for the perfect place to call home.
Whether you’re looking for a true Florida resort-style apartment, or a unit located right on the outskirts of Disney World, identifying your priorities, researching the area, and preparing your finances are all necessary factors to consider. As a professional Orlando property manager, I’ve identified a few common pain-points of the apartment search process, and I’m here to give you all the answers!
What are Your Priorities?
The first thing to consider when searching for your Orlando rental apartment is what your main priorities are. Like I mentioned before, not everyone is going to have the same criteria for what makes a home “perfect”. There are so many factors to consider when choosing a home, but many people have a few in mind that weigh heavily on their decision.
Your priorities will play a significant role in your home selection— here are some priorities to consider:
- Location
- Price
- Property Condition
- Lease term
- Safety and security
- Proximity to city, schools, shops
- Layout
- Amenities
- Parking
Narrowing down your specific priorities will allow you to refine your search and identify locations and apartments that are best suited for you.
Research Location and Orlando Neighborhoods
While location may not be your top priority for an Orlando rental home, the location can have a major impact on various aspects of your home. In Orlando, the ranges of location and neighborhoods are quite extensive, varying from urban to suburban, gated community to standalone apartment complexes.
Why Does Location Impact my Orlando Rental Home?
Research Location and Orlando Neighborhoods
While location may not be your top priority for an Orlando rental home, the location can have a major impact on various aspects of your home. In Orlando, the ranges of location and neighborhoods are quite extensive, varying from urban to suburban, gated community to standalone apartment complexes.
Why Does Location Impact my Orlando Rental Home?
In the Orlando Metropolitan Area, the neighborhood you choose will have a significant impact on aspects such as price, proximity to the city, amusement parks, shops, amenities, parking accessibility, and safety. For example, here are some of our location suggestions based on a few different factors.
Suburban Convenience: Davenport, Florida
Davenport is one of the most popular Orlando surrounding neighborhoods at the moment. While Davenport is located in Polk County and considered a part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Metropolitan Area, the city is close in proximity to Orlando and all it has to offer. Davenport is considered Polk County’s fastest growing city as its population has increased 42% from 2020-2024. Davenport offers renters a true residential feel with a variety of apartment types, in addition to parks, shopping malls, and the city of Orlando within a short drive.
According to Zillow, the average rent in Davenport is $2,250.
Resort-Style and Attractions: Kissimmee, Florida
Kissimmee is a vibrant community that is continuously growing in popularity. With many attractions nearby, Kissimmee is popular for families, students, and retired renters who are seeking a luxury or resort-style apartment.
Located in Osceola County, about 30 minutes south of Orlando, Kissimmee currently has over one thousand rental properties. A large portion of these apartments are located within gated communities, offering resort-style living with luxurious amenities and activities. You can find tropical style amenities like pools, pickleball courts, and state-of-the-art gym facilities at many Kissimmee apartment complexes including West Point Park Apartments.
According to Zillow, the average rent in Kissimmee is $2,250.
The Hustle and Bustle: Winter Park, Florida
This area is home to about 28,486 residents and located just north of Orlando in Orange County, Florida. Winter Park is known for its true community feel with picturesque parks, including Central Park, an 11-acre park known for annual events and community gatherings that bring residents together. In addition, Winter Park’s brick-lined streets, spectacular homes, museums, deep lakes, and shops along Park Avenue contribute to the charm and appeal that renters seek in a community. If you’re looking for an area that is bound to keep you busy, Winter Park is definitely the right location for your Orlando apartment rental.
According to Zillow, the average rent in Winter Park is $1,769.
Small-town Charm: Winter Garden, Florida
Winter Garden is a lively, up-and-coming area located 14 miles West of Downtown Orlando. Winter Garden is home to young professionals, families, retirees, and people of all ages who enjoy a fun-filled community atmosphere; this suburb of Orlando is one of the most diverse in all of Florida with almost 50,000 residents.
The Winter Garden community exudes the “small town charm” that many Florida residents desire and find comfort in. The community supports its small businesses, fostering a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The community officials want the best for the area which shows through initiatives like this survey regarding traffic safety. For those looking for an all-encompassing living experience, Winter Garden has it all— a residential feel combined with convenient access to the hustle and bustle of the city.
According to Zillow, the average rent in Winter Garden is $2,674.
Prepare Paperwork and Finances
It is essential to note that most Orlando apartment rental properties require paperwork, fees, and proof of finances. To secure your single-family home smoothly, I highly recommend preparing any necessary documentation and setting aside funds prior to starting your rental home search.
Housing Application For Your Orlando Rental Property
The first document will be the application. This application typically comes with a fee between $30-$100 depending on the landlord or property manager’s preferences. To screen tenants and ensure reliability, housing applications collect personal information such as contact information, proof of income, employment verification, and past rental history. While you are not guaranteed to be selected for the home, it is important to note that most application fees are non-refundable. In the event that you apply for multiple properties, it is essential that you set aside funds to do so.
Orlando Rental Property Lease Agreement
Prior to moving into your Orlando apartment, your landlord or property manager will provide you with a lease agreement. The lease agreement is the legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, and must be signed by both parties. A standard lease agreement typically includes:
- Party identification
- Property description
- Lease duration
- Rent payment terms
- Security deposit terms
- Rules and regulations
- Maintenance and repair process
- Grounds for termination of the lease
- Landlord’s right to entry
- Florida landlord disclosure
Signing a lease agreement is an essential part of renting a property — without a lease agreement, there is no documentation holding either party legally responsible for upholding the terms of the lease, or liable for violations.
Renters Insurance
Most landlords and Orlando property managers require tenants to purchase renters insurance. Renters insurance provides renters with financial protection, coverage for damaged or stolen personal property, legal liability, and additional expenses.
While some renters underestimate the importance of it, renters insurance is an essential aspect of renting an apartment as it provides significant financial protection in the event of damage or loss by a covered peril. Although you hope not to face such a situation, renters insurance can cover loss and damage in the event of a fire, lightning, water damage, theft, and fallen objects. Contrary to popular belief, renters insurance is not as expensive as it seems; the typical cost of renters insurance in Florida is $152 per year.
Work With a Local Orlando Property Management Company
While some landlords and rental property owners lease their homes on their own, renting your apartment from an Orlando property management company provides many benefits to those looking for a safe and comfortable living experience.
Why is Renting From a Property Management Company Beneficial?
Renting from a property manager means you have a team of people dedicated to the success of your rental experience. Unlike a self-managing landlord, Orlando property management companies have in-depth knowledge and a systematic approach to managing their properties.
At The Listing Real Estate Management, we provide our tenants with top of the line management, ensuring safety, security, and satisfaction. Our management processes are efficient and effective, allowing us to safeguard each property and promote happy living environments. Our tenant management processes include:
- Exclusive Tender, Loving, Care Tenant Benefits Program including:
- Online Resident Center
- Fitness On Demand
- Utility Connection Concierge
- Build Positive Credit
- HVAC/AC Filter Delivery
- Renters Insurance Accessibility
- After-Hours Live Support
- Pay Rent Online 24/7
- Digital Move In & Move Out Inspections
- Late Fee Forgiveness
- Free Home Buying Assistance
- Streamlined maintenance and repair processes
- 24/7 online tenant portal
- Stress free rental experience
We’re here to guide you through a successful rental experience in Orlando! As experienced Orlando property managers, we truly care about our tenants and want to provide a satisfactory rental environment. We would love to work with you! CLICK HERE to view our available rental properties in the Orlando Metropolitan area, or contact us today to learn more!
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