We talk about compliance a lot; it’s a big part of our job. It isn’t always a popular discussion as it often involves investment on the owner’s part but it is certainly more cost effective than non-compliance. Keeping the rental property in good condition is just good sense. It attracts responsible tenants and protects/enhances the value of the asset.
Here is the basic concept, as spelled out by the Florida Landlord Tenant law:
Single-Family Home or Duplex
At all times during the tenancy, the landlord of a single-family home or duplex shall:
- Comply with the requirements of applicable building, housing and health codes; or
- Where there are no applicable building, housing or health codes, maintain the plumbing in reasonably good working condition and maintain the roof, windows, screens, floors, steps, porches, exterior walls, foundations and all other structural components in good repair and capable of resisting normal forces and loads.
Yes, it’s broad brush strokes but it gets into plenty of detail as you go and we study it constantly. If an investment property owner knows and understands this much, it’s a good “foundation” for the rest.
Next up, we’ll talk a little about the cost of non-compliance…