The Sunshine State is one of the sought-after destinations for Americans who want to move. In 2018, the number of people increased by 900 every day. By 2024, the population will swell by 28 million!
It isn’t surprising then that the real estate market is hot. If someone leaves a rented home, landlords can look forward to a new tenant—unless the property isn’t in the best condition.
This then begs the question: How can landlords ensure their property is ready for any new tenant? What can they do when the tenant causes damage to the home?
1. Inform the Tenant Right Away
The Florida rental law covers both tenants and landlords, who have rights and responsibilities. Some of these involve damages.
If the tenant is a hoarder or leaves the home dirty and unfixed most of the time, the landlord can send a notice about it, which will tell them the owner’s demand:
- Fix the property
- Leave the property
If you want to avoid complications (a.k.a. lawsuits from the tenant), the first option can be a better one unless this problem is already chronic. The tenant might have a week to remedy the issue.
If the tenant is already leaving, the landlord can reduce the security deposit to cover for the cost of damages. The owner, though, should remember that they cannot hold any tenant liable for normal wear and tear.
2. Call a Junk Removal Company
What can a landlord do if someone is ready to move into the property? Call a junk removal team, such as Q & Q Removal LLC.
Companies like this get rid of everything that should not be in the property in the first place. These include old furniture, clothes, potted plants, and trash. They can also perform a cleanout service. They not only get rid of dirt but also leave the property pristine and prepared for the new tenant.
Rates can vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the project. The job can also take many hours or a few days. The bottom line is landlords don’t have to do the cleaning alone.
3. Sue the Tenant
Let’s say that the tenant promised to fix the property—to no avail. The problem is they already left, and the landlord might have already returned the security deposit.
The next best step is to sue the tenant in the small-claims court. Under Florida law, a person can demand civil damages for disputes as long as the amount doesn’t exceed $8,000.
A landlord can do this within four years, although it might be ideal to sue the tenant as soon as the property owner can. This way, details are still fresh from their minds, and they are in a better position to locate the tenant.
Note, though, that the court cannot collect money or judgment on behalf of the landlord. The property owner has to work with an attorney for that.
For a Florida landlord, nothing is more stressful than having damaged property. The longer it remains unclean or unfixed, the more they lose the chance to earn money. Fortunately, they have remedies, beginning with these ideas.