Residential Lease for Single Family Home or Duplex (For A Term Not To Exceed One Year) in Florida

The document titled “Residential Lease for Single Family Home or Duplex (For A Term Not To Exceed One Year) in Florida” is a standardized lease agreement for a single-family home or duplex in Florida, designed for a lease term not exceeding one year. It comprehensively outlines the terms and conditions between the landlord and tenant, including specifics on property details, lease duration, rent payments, and other financial obligations such as taxes and deposits. It also details the rights and responsibilities of both parties regarding property maintenance, utility payments, and permissible use of the premises.

The form includes sections on pet policies, smoking regulations, keys and locks, notices, and assignment and subleasing conditions. It highlights the legal frameworks governing the relationship, such as the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and incorporates provisions for dealing with lead-based paint in older properties. Additionally, the lease specifies conditions under which either party may access the property, the role of homeowner’s associations where applicable, and the procedures for renewing or terminating the lease.

Overall, this lease agreement Florida serves as a legal contract that seeks to protect the interests of both landlord and tenant by clearly stating expectations and obligations, ensuring compliance with state laws, and providing mechanisms for dispute resolution and modifications to the agreement.

Here is a guide on how to properly fill out this form in Florida:

Lease Details

Parties Involved: Fill in the names and addresses of the property owner (Landlord) and the person(s) leasing the property (Tenant). Include email addresses and telephone numbers for both parties.

Property Information

• Address and Description: Specify the street address, including the zip code of the property being leased. List any furniture and appliances included with the lease.
• Occupants: List all persons who will reside in the property, in addition to the tenant.

Lease Term

Duration: Define the start and end date of the lease, ensuring it does not exceed one year.

Financial Terms

• Rent Amount: State the total rent for the lease term and specify if it will be paid in installments or in full. Include the due dates and amounts for each installment.
• Tax Obligations: Indicate any taxes applicable on the rent and how they will be paid.
• Payment Details: Identify to whom and where the rent payments should be sent.

Initial Payments

Prior to Occupancy: List any payments due before the tenant moves in, such as the first month’s rent, security deposit, and any additional fees.

Late Fees and Penalties

Late Payment Penalties: Define the fee for late rent payments and the grace period before the fee applies.

Pets and Smoking

Policies: Specify whether pets are allowed and any restrictions related to pet ownership (like weight or breed). Define smoking permissions within the premises.

Notices

Communication: Designate the official contact for the landlord and tenant for delivering notices. Mention how notices should be delivered (e.g., mail, hand delivery).

Utilities

Utility Payments: Clarify which utilities the tenant is responsible for and which, if any, are included in the rent.

Maintenance

Responsibility: Detail which maintenance responsibilities fall to the landlord and which are the tenant’s responsibility.

Lease Assignment

Subleasing Rules: State any conditions or prohibitions on subleasing or assigning the lease.

Keys and Locks

Access Devices: Note how many keys, remote controls, or access cards will be provided and the policy for their return at the end of the lease.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Older Properties: If applicable, disclose the presence of lead-based paint and provide related documents.

Additional Sections

Include details about homeowner’s association rules, insurance requirements, and rights of access to the property.

Final Steps

Signatures: Ensure that both the landlord and tenant sign and date the lease. Record the addresses and contact information for any involved real estate agents or brokers.

Attachments

Statutory Information: Attach a copy of the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and any other required documents.

Remember, it is important that all blanks and checkboxes are completed according to the specific Florida rental agreement between the landlord and tenant. For legal accuracy and to prevent future disputes, consider having a legal professional review the document before finalizing it.