Renting Made Simple

MARSHALL MINOTTO works with both Landlords and Tenants.

We play a vital role in facilitating rental transactions, acting as intermediaries between landlords and tenants to ensure a smooth and successful process. From marketing rental properties to screening tenants and negotiating lease agreements, real estate agents perform a wide range of duties to meet the needs of both parties involved.

2. Notify the tenant before entering the premise. As a new tenant, you want privacy in your rental property. Consequently, many states require landlords to give tenants 24 or 48 hours’ notice before entering the rental unit. Typically, the notice needs to be made in writing and provide the specific date and time when the landlord expects to visit.

3. Address property maintenance in a timely manner.  Habitability is critical. The landlord has an obligation to keep the dwelling unit and common areas in good working order for the tenant at all times. These responsibilities entail not only necessary repairs to plumbing and heating but also keeping major kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, and stove in good repair. The same applies to in-home washer-dryer units.

4. Give tenant advance notice before raising rent. Most lease agreements enable landlords to increase rent on a rental when the lease expires. However, the contract typically states that the landlord must provide the tenant with at least 30 to 60 days’ notice prior to the increase in rent. Some cities and states have rent control, which can put a cap on how much or how often a landlord can raise tenant rent within a given 12-month period.

5. Provide personal contact information to the tenant.   Standard lease agreements typically require landlords to give tenants their direct phone and email address, to use in case of emergencies. However, if there is a designated property manager or property management company, this landlord requirement is usually waived.

6. Follow eviction laws.  Florida Law has a government-mandated eviction process, which spells out what steps landlords must take in order to evict a tenant; some counties have additional eviction requirements. Landlords typically must provide a 30- or 60-day written notice to the tenant prior to eviction. They must also use proper eviction forms.

7. Return security deposits to tenants promptly.  Florida State laws gives the landlord a 30 day deadline for returning the security deposit after a tenant moves out.  Most lease contracts require the landlord to do a final walk-through when the tenant vacates the property to inspect for damage. Landlord has up to 15 days to inspect the property to determine if property has been returned in original condition. 

We use Rentspree to verify Tenants for Landlords. 

Top-rated, trusted tenant screening

More than two million agents, landlords, and renters trust RentSpree to simplify rentals. Find a tenant or find a home faster with our secure platform.

Realtor Fees

Realtors can charge fees for their services.  In some situations, the landlord pays for an agent to help them find a tenant. On the other hand, if the renter hires an agent, they may be responsible for paying the fee. 

These fees can equal one month's rent or a percentage of the annual rent, it’s wise to ask the Realtor how they calculate their fee and who is responsible for paying it. Doing so helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a mutually beneficial working relationship. 

Pro tip: While you can negotiate the commission fee, it’s helpful to research the average commission rates in your area so you know what you’re getting into.