Moving into a new rental unit in Jacksonville? Starting out in a new home can be very exciting, but what happens if you encounter unforeseen problems? That’s why it’s important to know the rules and regulations that apply to renting because, over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of tenant-landlord disagreements. So, today, our experts at Evergreen Home Buyers have compiled a list of 5 things every tenant should know before renting in Jacksonville to help your tenancy go as smoothly as possible.

1. You Need to Understand Your Written Lease
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a renter is not getting your lease in writing. Beyond this, you need to understand your written lease to be aware of any rules or applicable fees within the contract. Understanding your lease will also help you know what type of lease you’re in; generally, there are two types of tenancies: periodic (monthly or weekly) and fixed term (a specific end date).

2. Landlords Can’t Drop in Unannounced
A second important thing to know if you’re going to become a tenant in Jacksonville is that landlords can’t drop in unannounced. In Florida, landlords are required to give at least 12 hours notice before entering the premises, and they’re also required to only visit during ‘reasonable hours,’ which is defined as the hours between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm. Anything beyond this, you have the legal right to refuse entry to the landlord.

3. There Is No Rent Control
In many states across the U.S., there is something called rent control which essentially means there is a cap on what landlords are legally allowed to charge their tenants. However, in Florida, there is no rent control. This means that landlords can charge any fee that they like – but don’t stress, many landlords understand that if they price their unit too high, they won’t get any applications, so although the prices aren’t regulated, they’re often still reasonable.

4. Know How to End the Tenancy Properly (If Applicable)
Suppose you need to move out for whatever reason, but the terms of your lease agreement have not been fully fulfilled. In this case, you need to know how to end the tenancy properly, or if you can’t, you need to understand the ramifications of that decision. For example, if you have a fixed-term tenancy, you cannot end the agreement early without your landlord’s permission, and this could result in them charging you a lease break fee or keeping your security deposit.

5. Be Aware of Security Deposit Protocols
Speaking of security deposits, you must be aware of security deposit protocols so that you can get your money back properly at the end of your lease. One thing to note is that if you owe your landlord any money for unpaid obligations (such as rent, for example), your landlord can keep a portion (or even all!) of your security deposit. Another reason they might keep your deposit is if there is damage to the unit beyond regular wear and tear. Ultimately, this goes back to understanding your initial lease agreement so you can protect yourself throughout your tenancy.

Final Thoughts
Renting in Jacksonville can be a great opportunity for those looking to live in a specific area or enjoy certain local amenities. However, it’s absolutely critical that you do your research and understand exactly what you’re getting into prior to making the move – otherwise, you could face unforeseen problems with your landlord. But what if you’re simply becoming a tenant because your mortgage is too high and you’re struggling to sell your Jacksonville home? In that case, there is an alternative solution.

At Evergreen Home Buyers, we will purchase your home for cash AS IS, making the process entirely hands-off for you with no repairs, inspections, appraisals, or contingencies necessary. Plus, we can close in as little as two weeks! So, for a completely quick and painless way to sell your home for cash faster, visit www.selltoevergreenjax.com today.