Okay so you’re ready to rent out your house in Florida for the first time in 2025. And be a first time homeowner but you don’t know where to start.

Recently I helped my friend Michael Ontario rent out his four bedroom two bath house for $4,100 a month in Miami Florida. This well exceeds his mortgage. And he is  going to enjoy that cashflow allocating it towards the mortgage of his newest upgraded apartment for his and his family. 

so in the process Michael came up with lots of questions. That he asked me along the way and as his best friend I gave him the best advice that I could. He compiled that into a list for me to share with you guys today in this article.  

However, you should consider that renting to tenants is a very localized legal process. And so, generally, cities and states like Florida have their own legal requirements to rent a house in the current time, like in 2025. It’s important for you to research the renter laws and house owner laws that are specific to your area.

What to Consider Before Renting Your House: Tenant Length and Risk.

Introduction to Mid-Term Rentals

This is a great question, and I also want to use it as an opportunity to introduce you to mid-term rentals.

Airbnb and Nightly Rentals in Florida

Airbnb is definitely geared towards nightly rentals. It requires a lot of communication and coordination, including scheduling cleaners, answering guest questions, and restocking supplies. But it’s the one that’s likely to give you the most cash flow.

Mid-Term Rentals Overview

In 2025, mid-term rentals are also furnished, and they’re usually rent to traveling workers or families whose house in Florida or other states is undergoing repairs, perhaps through insurance claims or similar situations. These guests might stay for months at a time, but despite the stronger cash flow, they don’t remain for very long periods.

Traditional Long-Term Rentals

Then you’ve got your traditional long-term rental where the unit is unfurnished. Tenants are usually responsible for their own utilities, and you’re signing for a year, typically a lease or more. So I would say it just depends on workload and risk tolerance.

Vacancy and Turnover Considerations

Because long-term rentals cover a solid amount of time, turnover stays lower. The higher the turnover, the higher the risk of vacancy between tenants or guests. Long-term rentals usually protect you from those vacancies and give you more time to save in case they do occur.

How can you list your rental house in Florida.

Choosing the Right Platform for Florida

So, there are many different platforms today, which wasn’t the case not too long ago. You’ve got Zillow Rentals, Apartments.com, and even Facebook Marketplace. People respond much faster on these platforms.

Creating Your Listing

One of the benefits of using Zillow Rentals or Apartments.com — these are the best rent-out websites in Florida for a house, flat, etc., in 2025, and there are other platforms too, but these are the ones I’m most familiar with — is that you can take pictures of your property and create your own listing. Prospective tenants can view your property, search for you, and send an application or message directly on the platform.

Accepting Applications

You can even allow tenants to submit applications that include a credit report and criminal background check. You can review all of these directly on the platform.

Pre-Prepared Leases

What I like about these platforms is that they provide leases that are already prepared. Typically, you choose the state, and the lease will follow that state’s regulations. However, you are responsible for verifying its accuracy.

Customizing Your Lease

You can make edits to these leases, such as adding house rules, adjusting price points, or setting holdover fees.

Signing the Lease

It’s very convenient in 2025 to rent out your house because of the evolution of technology in every state or country, like in Florida. Once you have the lease ready and are satisfied with it, you can send it to the tenant. They sign it, it comes back to you, and then you sign. Now, both of you have an electronic digital copy, making the process super easy.

Understanding Costs

These services are free to use. You may wonder how these platforms make money. They earn from tenant screenings. Additionally, when tenants pay rent through the platform, they can choose: a bank account draft, which is usually free, or a credit card, which incurs a fee, generating revenue for the platform.

What tenant screening criteria you should use?

Legal Considerations

Okay, so when it comes to screening a tenant, what should a landlord look for and what do they need? Part of this answer is actually a legal step that I can’t research for you. Some places will have rules. For example, my house in Miami, Florida — if a tenant candidate has an eviction on their record, but it’s been more than the number of years the state allows (I think it was like two years ago), you can’t count it against them.

Security Deposits and Local Rules

In 2025, some places where you rent a house, for example Florida, require that landlords can’t ask for a security deposit that’s more than one month’s rent. The reason for all of these little rules is that it’s so important to research and follow local regulations before you list your unit for rent. Violating these rules in your description or requirements could lead to legal trouble.

Credit History and Evictions

What I look for, regardless of location, is usually a candidate who has a credit history free of evictions. If they have anything in collections, I hope it’s not things like unpaid utilities. I also compare their debt to their income to make sure they can cover the rent and normal living expenses like groceries and utilities.

Income and Financial Stability

You’ve got income, credit history, and credit score. I also check their financial stability by comparing their income to the rent amount. This ensures they can cover all necessary expenses without difficulty.

References from Previous Landlords

Next, I call their references to ensure previous landlords would want them back. Did they get their security deposit back? Did they give proper notice? Were there any complaints from neighbors? These questions provide insights that a credit report alone cannot give.

Criminal History Reports

Finally, especially if they apply through Zillow or Apartments.com, I review the criminal history report. Traffic violations appear on these reports, but they’re usually not a big deal unless it’s a repeated crime like driving without insurance. Such issues can affect their finances, and if they are involved in court cases or owe money, they might struggle to pay rent.

Red Flags to Watch For

Overall, I focus on anything that could hinder their ability to pay rent or other warning signs. Screening carefully helps ensure your tenant can meet their obligations. I hope this helps.

In 2025, what to ask renters before letting them tour your house in Florida

When Pre-Screening Might Not Be Necessary

Should you, as a first-time landlord, pre-screen candidates before scheduling a walk-through? Well, I would say at the outset, when you have just listed your rent-out house or flat and receive an influx of candidates who want to apply—or I say your Florida property—pre-screening is not necessary as in 2025. You should schedule an open house. If you hold a few open houses on the weekend, anyone who sees the listing or reaches out can come and walk through the home. Pre-screening isn’t needed in this case because you can evaluate them in person while chit-chatting as others walk through.

Avoid Wasting Time on Walk-Throughs

After the initial open houses, you don’t want to waste time scheduling walk-throughs with everyone who is interested. Make sure they are likely eligible to apply. I usually call them and say, “Hey, I’m calling to schedule a walkthrough. I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page. Did you see the list where it says these are the requirements? We’re asking for a credit score of 650 or better, and two times the rent of the house in terms of personal income in Florida or in another state, and I tell this out for the year 2025.”

Handling Pets in Pre-Screening

When discussing pets, assuming you don’t allow them, I don’t start with, “And we don’t allow pets.” Instead, I ask, “What pets have you brought with you?” or “Do you have any pets you would bring to the property?” If they reveal they have pets, I explain, “Unfortunately, we don’t allow pets at this location.” If they don’t have any, that’s perfectly fine.

Why Pre-Screening Helps

Pre-screening isn’t a trick; it prevents wasted time. Some people don’t read the listing carefully in Florida. Others forget it and still plan to bring a pet when pets aren’t allowed. By asking in a neutral way, you allow candidates to be honest. Then you can confirm whether the property is a good fit for them.

What to Look for in Tenant Applications?

Understanding the Applicant

This is a little different than determining eligibility for a tenant application — which would refer to things like credit score, rental history, income, and so on. Here, I’m actually talking about the applicant: what they write on their application and what you should be looking for.

Verifying Claimed Income

By this, I mean keeping in mind what they claim as income versus what they’ve submitted as proof. Look at things like pay stubs, paychecks, or last year’s tax returns. Avoid relying on a bank statement where the source of deposits is unclear. I’ve seen bank statements showing money coming in and going out for the month being the same. That doesn’t indicate qualifying income.

Checking Personal References

You can call and verify personal references. Ask if this person is trustworthy. Would you rent Florida house to them in 2024 or 2025? Are they on time? Are they responsible?

Confirming Employment Details

Talk to employers to verify income history. This tenant says they make a certain amount of money, have been in this position for a certain length of time, and list a start date. Can you confirm these details? Are they in good standing at their workplace?

Contacting Previous Landlords

Reach out to previous landlords. Make sure they would rent to this person again. Ask if there were complaints filed by neighbors. This gives insights beyond credit scores and income.

Avoiding Discrimination

It’s important not only to look at obvious factors like credit score and income, but also to verify the person without discriminating against any protected class.

Considering Long-Term Compatibility

Remember, you’ll be renting to this person for years. Consider if this is someone you want to work with. Find credibility and believe the story they are telling about their life and ability to pay.

How to Attract Tenants with Quality Listings and Clear Leases

Creating a Listing with ChatGPT

So in this day of 2025 and age of AI, I have to say that I love ChatGPT. It’s obviously free to use, but I have the FID version. I go in there and say, “Hey, how can I rent out my house on Zillow in Florida and what are the average prices of rental houses in 2025, and these are the features,” and I list all the features and benefits. Then I ask, “Make me a rental listing that highlights some of these key features,” and it creates it for you. You can also ask it to edit the listing if anything seems wordy or unclear.

Posting Your Listing and Photos

Once that’s done, I copy and paste it, then post it on the platform where I’m listing. I also upload any photos I’ve taken of the property. For the photos, take large outdoor shots of the front and sides of the house. Then, photograph inside each room—both wide shots and some close-ups for key areas. For example, the kitchen might need close-up shots. If something doesn’t look right in the photos, add more lighting or zoom in to capture all elements of the room.

Tips for Photography

In Florida, you don’t need to hire a professional photographer to rent out your house for the year of 2025. Just watching a few YouTube tutorials on taking real estate photos with your phone can help. Doing some research and practicing these techniques will improve your listing quality.

What Are Efficient Rent Collection Methods?

Streamline Your Rent Collection

As a first-time landlord, I would highly recommend that you don’t do something like “Pay me with PayPal” or “Pay me with Venmo.” Having a streamlined rent collection process is crucial so that neither you nor your tenants forget payments. Attach an automatic late fee so both you and the tenant know when it’s applied. This prevents tenants from saying, “Oh, I’m sorry I paid late, can you just waive the late fee?” Consistency with expectations helps tenants pay on time and avoids late fees altogether.

Using Online Rental Platforms

I use Apartments.com, but Zillow offers the same service, allowing you to set up your tenant through a rental portal. Tenants can link their bank accounts, and you can link yours. The platform transfers the rent directly to your account. It’s free for both parties, or tenants can pay with a credit card and cover the processing fee. The platform earns money from these fees. You only pay if you want the money transferred immediately; otherwise, the transfer takes a few days at no cost. The whole process is secure and straightforward.

Tracking Payments and Avoiding Bounced Checks

Another benefit of these online platforms is that you can see scheduled future payments. This gives peace of mind that payments are pending and will be made. I also appreciate that there are no bounced checks — you don’t have to deposit them at the bank and face fees. Everything is seamless with these apps.

How Much Should Landlords Save for Maintenance and Emergencies?

Separate Accounts for Different Purposes

So here’s my thinking: I have different accounts for different purposes. I have a savings account for minor repairs, another for major repairs, and a third for vacancies. The minor repairs account sits next to my standard checking account. It doesn’t earn interest. The other two accounts, where I expect the balances to grow over time, are high-yield online savings accounts. That way, they earn interest, which really matters when the balance is high.

Monthly Allocation System

Every month, I do an auto transfer to pay off the mortgage, cover all bills, and then distribute money to the respective accounts. I also have a fourth account for tax savings. How much should I allocate to each? Since I manage my own properties, I put 5% in repairs, 5% in vacancies, 5% in long-term repairs, and 5% in taxes. That money just sits in those accounts, which is the system I came up with. I don’t have scientific data to back it up, and the money is transferable between accounts.

Flexibility Between Accounts

If I use up the minor repair funds, I can dip into the major repair funds. If I need more in the tax account, I can transfer from other accounts. Once an account builds up — for example, the tax account — I use it at the end of the year to pay taxes. Any excess can then be transferred to my personal account as an owner’s draw or income.

Letting Certain Accounts Grow

For the vacancy and major repair accounts, I let them grow over time. Major repairs are inevitable. If I don’t use the money this month or this year, it will likely be needed down the road. Keeping these accounts in high-yield savings ensures they earn the best interest possible while building up over time.

How to Find and Keep Trusted Repair Professionals

Here are some strategies to build a dependable network of service professionals for your rental property.

Start with Your Home Warranty Company

If you have a house warranty in Florida, every time you call for service — maybe to fix an outlet or plumbing — get direct contact with the technician who comes. If you enjoy their service, store their contact information. This way, you’ll have a trusted reference for future work that’s outside the home warranty coverage.

Use Review-Based Platforms

Another option is to use platforms like Angie’s List, Yelp, or Thumbtack. You can see previous customer experiences and reviews to help you choose a professional. Once you find someone reliable, ask if they have a referral network. Often, service professionals know others in related trades or have family members in the business. This can be a valuable way to expand your network.

Check Local Resources

Contact your local chamber of commerce to find reputable service providers. Keep in mind that independent providers might charge less because of lower overhead. However, focus on quality and referrals — cheap service that’s poorly done will cost you more in the long run.

Weighing Home Warranties

Home warranties can be convenient. They provide access to service providers without the homework of research. But some downsides exist: a limited roster of providers can lead to long waits, and delays may cost you if tenants need timely repairs.

I have used home warranties on all my properties for years. Recently, I decided to let them expire and not renew. Why? I analyzed the cost of premiums, service fees, and out-of-pocket repairs not covered by the policy. I found that the home warranties weren’t saving me money. Last year, I didn’t spend any less or save any more with a warranty, so I decided to manage repairs as they come instead of paying monthly premiums.

Tracking Costs if You Keep a Warranty

That said, home warranties can still be beneficial. If you have an active policy, track your total spending: premiums, service fees, and uncovered repairs. Compare it to managing repairs yourself. This will help you decide whether it’s still worth it.

What are landlords responsible for fixing in Florida

Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities for Repairs

What are the landlord’s responsibilities compared to the tenants’ responsibilities when there are damages or repairs needed in the house of Florida? I would like to see my tenants handle routine tasks, like cleaning the washing machine, cleaning the refrigerator, and changing light bulbs. Those things are pretty standard and routine.

Plumbing Issues: Tenant vs. Landlord

Plumbing is not standard or routine, so is it always the landlord’s job? If a plumbing problem occurs, such as a clogged drain, my expectation is that the tenant will cover it if they caused it. For example, if hair slides down the sink over time or grease builds up and solidifies in the drain, the plumber will be able to see the cause when taking the pipes apart. If the clog is caused by a toy or something similar, the tenant will be responsible for the repair.

Landlord Responsibilities

If the issue arises due to the quality or integrity of pipes that have deteriorated over time and need repair or replacement, I will handle it. Weather-related damage is also my responsibility. Essentially, I cover anything that is not the tenant’s fault, and that is how I view repair responsibilities.

Setting Expectations in the Lease Agreement

It is important to include these responsibilities in your lease agreement so tenants know what is expected. You should also consider rules like whether tenants are allowed to put up curtains or store items that are visible outside or lean against the house. If your lease agreement template from Zillow or Apartments.com does not cover these points, this is a great place to include them.

Keeping Everyone on the Same Page

Finally, your lease should have a section where key items can be edited and shared with tenants for acknowledgment and signature. This ensures both parties are on the same page.

When and How to Renew Leases?

Some places require 60 or 90 days’ notice. This means you have to send a letter in advance if you are going to renew their lease. In the letter, you should include the price you are offering or proposing.

If they choose not to renew their lease, mention what the monthly price will be. I usually price it a little higher because I encourage them to keep the lease and stay on.

Is Section 8 Housing a Viable Option for Landlords? 

Is Section 8 a Viable Option for Landlords?

I think so. If you are willing to work with a third party like someone with Section 8 housing, it is a great option because the rent payment is partially guaranteed by the government. Tenants on Section 8 housing tend to stay in their properties longer. Just because they are on Section 8 doesn’t mean they are likely to be a bad candidate to rent to.

As a landlord, you still have the responsibility to screen and vet the candidate just as you would if they were not on Section 8. It is up to you to find a qualified tenant.

Why I Prefer Section 8

The reason I love it is because it is just a security blanket for me. I like to have a mixed portfolio of short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals. Even then, the Section 8 tenant guaranteed funds protection was very important during the COVID shutdown. Tenants might not be paying for themselves, but getting a subsidy has been very helpful.

The Process

The process is not difficult. If someone introduces themselves with a Section 8 voucher, all you have to do is work with them to fill out the paperwork. Section 8 will then send a representative to walk through your home to make sure it meets the standards, as it should be, and they will sign it off. You get paid directly from the tenant for whatever you contribute, and Section 8 makes a direct deposit into your bank account every month for the amount they cover.

Important Nuances

One of the nuances is that this amount fluctuates from time to time depending on the income of your candidate or tenant. If they change jobs or are fired, the amount will change. You have to constantly update it, but it is not a difficult task, and you are always informed.

Why Require Renters and Pet Liability Insurance?

Renters Insurance and Pet Liability

When this happens, does the landlord require tenants to have renters insurance or pet liability insurance? Well, if you have pets or your tenants are allowed to have pets, I would definitely think that pet insurance is appropriate. Make sure you as a landlord are covered based on the breed of pet they are bringing.

For tenants with renters insurance, a key factor is ensuring their belongings and property are protected. If something happens in the house that results in damage, this ensures they won’t come after you. It’s just to be safe, and it’s not that expensive either. Since you have to pay homeowners insurance, it seems fair for tenants to pay renters insurance. When I was a renter, I had no problem doing this. So if you think it’s necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask your renter.

Questions from First-Time Landlords

Okay, guys, that covers all the questions that Christina had for us regarding first-time landlords. Before I let you go, I’m going to read today’s affirmation card from this deck. It says: “Embrace the wonderful mess that you are.” I love that. On the back, it asks: “What was the last compliment I received, and what compliment do I want the most?”

Reflections on Compliments

The last compliment I received was from my husband on Valentine’s Day. He said I was just so brave. I never look at a problem and think, “This sucks,” or “I can’t believe this happened to me.” Instead, I think, “Okay, what can I do to fix this problem now?” I don’t let fear get in the way. That’s what he thinks. I mean, it doesn’t have to be true, and I appreciate the compliment.

As for the compliment I want most, my favorite is when someone says I’m really generous or authentic. Those are two qualities I strive for. I hope to provide that through this website and i aim to impart knowledge I’ve learned or simply be a mirror to you in your quest to improve life, build financial freedom, and gain personal freedom. I want this to feel authentic because I don’t share anything I haven’t personally experienced.

Commitment to Authentic Advice

For that reason, when I say, “You can succeed and achieve financial freedom despite the odds,” I truly mean it myself.

Conclusion

Firstly, whenever you want to rent your house in Florida, especially in 2025, the right approach presented by Michael’s experience is incredible. As far as local laws and making decisions to choose the ideal property or screening tenants carefully with setting clear the lease expectation, each pin point brings an easy and smoother process. Through a complete map of guidelines by living organized with certain finances, optimistic use of today’s modern tools like online listings, digital collections of rent through mobile apps, and building a great connection with service providers, you can actually minimize stress and maximize cash flow and peace of mind.

On the other hand, This isn’t about that as you pour effort to fill a property and call yourself professional. This all hectic about building a sustainable system that 24/hr work for you as well as for your tenants, being informed and ready for pros and cons along the way. So be a humanized professional and deliver a better humanized service with careful planning, Sharp eye tenant screening with clear communication while renting your home every time in Florida. So, it’s become a joyful experience that makes you financially rich while providing others safe and comfortable homes.