To make extra income, you may rent out a room in your Florida home. Researching landlord rights helps you understand your obligations, but so does looking into tenant rights.
U.S. News & World Report breaks down the basics of tenant rights. Learn how to improve your relationship with tenants and avoid housing law violations.
State and local laws explain tenant rights
Educate yourself on taking optimum care of your tenants by brushing up on local and state laws. These laws inform tenants of when a landlord infringes on their rights.
Civil rights violations fall under federal law
Use caution when screening potential tenants. You cannot discriminate against candidates based on disability, nationality, race, familial status or religion. If a tenant or applicant feels discriminated against, that person may file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Fair Housing Assistance Program.
Landlords must provide livable conditions
While reviewing state and local laws to learn more about tenant rights, look into the livable conditions that Florida landlords must provide tenants. Specifically, learn about constructive eviction, which is when a landlord removes a tenant from a unit considered uninhabitable because of an issue such as mold. Do you have to provide tenants with more than electricity, heat and working plumbing?
Leases are not above the law
Keep tenant rights in mind when drafting your lease. If any terms violate tenant rights or break the law, you can keep them in your lease, but you cannot enforce them.
Learn the basics of renting a room from both sides of the equation before opening your home. Consulting with a legal professional about your lease helps ensure that you have a legal contract.
