It is an exciting decision to rent a luxury beach house for the summer! Living in a beautiful home just steps from a sandy beach and crystal blue water seems to be a popular choice for many people with the means to do so. However, before signing the first lease agreement that is put in front of you, make sure are well informed on landlord – tenant regulations.
Tenants of luxury rentals need to ask their agent important questions about the house before they sign an agreement. Is there direct access to the beach? Are pets or children allowed in the house? Is there a pool? Are utilities included? Is there a noise curfew in the neighborhood? What happens if a repair is needed? What happens if you damage something in or around the property? When is the rent due? What type of insurance do I need and how is the property insured? How many people can live at the property?
The best way to make sure everything goes smoothly is to first educate yourself on the rental rules and guidelines in effect in the area your are renting. Educate yourself on the rights of the landlord, the agent representing the landlord and yourself as the tenant. Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and what you can expect from the tenant-landlord relationship.
After you have learned about the local rental guidelines, it will be easier for you to ensure your rental agreement is useful and accurate. It should include basic information like the correct address of the rental property, the name of the landlord as well as the name of the authorized agent and their contact information. Make sure the contact information is correct. Your own name, home address and contact information should also be there. A clear list of all the utilities should be on the contract, with both parties initials beside them indicating they agree on the inclusions. Available parking spots, use of communal property such as a pool, spa or gym (if any) should also be on the contract.
Most generic rental agreements outline general rules for rental properties, such as no use of illegal narcotics on the premises, no water beds, no wild animals etc. However some crooked property owners use this section to insert odd demands like a fine will be charged if more than 10 people are on the property after 5 pm or no use of the beach by children under the age of two years (yet they are allowed to live in the home). Be sure to read the entire agreement before signing.
Five very important pieces of information that must be included on the contract are:
- the amount of rent to be paid (in the local currency)
- the exact date rent is to be paid
- how often (monthly, weekly etc)
- to whom it should be paid (landlord or agent)
- in what manner (post dated check, cash, automatic debit)
Finally, both parties need to sign the agreement. An unsigned contract is usually unenforceable.
The question of insurance is an important thing to consider. Ask the property owner how the building is insured. Be sure to take out your own insurance for your belongings, as well as for injury or illness. No one wants to be sick or hurt on their vacation, but having insurance will help, just in case something happens.
Most rental guidelines recommend both an incoming and outgoing property inspection that includes the presence of the tenant and property owner or their agent. The incoming inspection will comprise of a walk through of the building and around the property, taking inventory of the furnishings, making note of any deficiencies and perhaps taking photos. Attending this first inspection takes extra time, but it is well worth the investment as it can help prevent a dispute at the end of the tenancy. For example if the landlord claims a piece of furniture is missing, and the tenant disagrees, the inventory list can be consulted and the dispute resolved. The same goes for damage, especially if photos were taken. The outgoing inspection may not be as time consuming, but it is just as important. Leaving the property and its furnishings in the same order in which they were when you arrived will mean you will get all of your damage deposit back. Thus, the investment of time is well worth it.
Florida Vacation Beach Rentals’ properties are located on Florida’s warmest thermal belt that provides a lush tropical climate and endless recreational activities. Visitors to the area rave about the beaches, water sports, cycling, tennis, golf and many come exclusively for the great surfing. To view our complete listing of florida vacation rentals visit us online!