Negotiating Your Lease

Many relocating families hear horror stories about landlords not fixing leaking roofs, forfeiting damage deposits, forced vacancy due to the unexpected return of the homeowner, unreasonable rent increases with lease renewal, and a variety of other major problems. If owning your own home in Panama City is not a viable option, you can take steps to ensure a reasonably comfortable landlord-tenant relationship and trouble-free tenancy:

STEP 1: Know who you’re dealing with. Dealing with a reputable Landlord and REALTOR offers distinct advantages. While the Florida Landlord-Tenant Act is designed to protect an unwary tenant from unfair Landlord practices, the real key to enjoying your rental home is to avoid serious conflict altogether. Military personnel should always visit the base housing office before entering into a lease agreement.

STEP 2: Insist that EVERYTHING you agree upon is put into writing and signed by all parties. Often the most serious disagreements are the result of misunderstandings between the tenant and the Landlord. Many people believe in the “keep it simple” approach to leasing; an easy-to-read one page agreement that does not address some very important issues that could arise. The carefully drafted lease will protect all parties from misunderstanding. A lease should always be reviewed by a licensed attorney. This is a standard procedure at Neubauer Real Estate, Inc. Be wary of “do-it-yourself” landlord-lawyers or know-it-all acquaintances that insist on preparing the lease themselves.

STEP 3: Protect your damage/security deposit. Your lease, or preferably a separate agreement, should spell out the detailed conditions for refund of your deposit. This should always be accompanied by a thorough inspection when moving in and out of the property to avoid being accused of causing pre-existing conditions. If you still feel uncomfortable about the deposit agreement, a roll of film might be a wise investment to help you document existing damage or problems.

STEP 4: Try to anticipate possible changes in your housing needs. If there is a possibility of your relocation by the military or other employer, negotiate a relocation release agreement to prevent double rent payments. Regardless of your ability to secure this type of provision, find out if you would be relieved of your lease obligations upon substitution of an acceptable tenant and what the charges for such a transition might be.

REMEMBER: Your lease is a binding, legal document. Make sure you fully understand it! Hire an attorney if you have any doubts whatsoever.