How to Rent Daytona Beach Homes and Condos

July 13, 2008

Renting a Home or Condo in Daytona Beach Should Be Easy

Renting a home or condo for either short-term or longer term should be easy, but you need to take a few steps to protect yourself. First, like the Daytona Beach real estate market, there are more rental units on the market than renters to rent them long term. Because of that, people who can’t rent long term or renting for shorter terms and for event. All this tends to push prices down.

So now is a good time to rent. You should be able to get more space and amenities for the same money, or the same amount of space for less. Moving is a hassle, but you may be able to save a lot of money. Whatever you’re paying now, you should be able to reduce that rate.

Here are some useful tips if you are looking to rent:

  1. Negotiate - look around and get a good sense of the market and then when you find a unit you like, negotiate the monthly rent lower.
  2. Do an Inventory - Make sure that if any furniture, appliances, or other items are included in an inventory that both you and the landlord sign. This prevents problems in the future and makes it easier to get you full deposit back.
  3. Damage or Wear - make sure that any damage or wear is documented. The best time to get things repaired or replaced before you move in.  So negotiate that too.
  4. Credit Checks - Yes, a property manager, I will run a credit check on prospective tenants. Not everyone does. If your credit is fair or good, you are OK. If not, do what you can to improve your credit score before trying to rent.
  5. Understand the Contract - all tenants and landlords are subject to Florida laws. Make sure you understand the contract that you’re signing. If you don’t, find someone who can help you or have a lawyer review it.
  6. Lock in Rent Increases - you can include rent increase caps in the contract. Capping increases at the consumer price index or at a fixed rate like 3%. Doing this prevents big increases for the following years.
  7. Include an Option - include the option to extend the lease. If you have the option in the contract, you can stay. If not, the landlord can decide not to extend the lease and you will need to move.

Some contracts will include some of these items, so read the contract. The most important things when renting are to get the best possible price for the property you want. After that, protect yourself by following these guidelines.

I have short-term and long term condo and homes in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and surrounding areas available. Give me a call when you’re in the market. If you’re renting for the winter season or for events, make your reservation early. We are often sold out for these times.

Posted by Lynn | Filed Under Daytona Beach Rentals 

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