A residential lease agreement in Jacksonville is a written agreement between a landlord and a tenant. Once signed by both parties, the tenant will make periodic payments in exchange for living on the property.
Residential Lease Agreement Requirements in Jacksonville
Jacksonville does not currently have any city-specific residential lease agreement requirements. As such, landlords and tenants in Jacksonville follow Florida requirements for lease agreements.
Landlord-Tenant Rights and Regulations in Jacksonville
Jacksonville abides by State and Federal law when it comes to landlord-tenant rights and fair housing practices.
Optional Lease Agreement Disclosures and Addendums in Jacksonville
While not mandatory, landlords can add specific disclosures and addendums to their leases. This helps outline the responsibilities of the tenant and can prevent future liability issues.
Mold Disclosure
Due to Jacksonville’s humid climate, landlords may want to include a mold disclosure. This prevents landlords from being liable for future mold-related damage.
Crime-Free Disclosure
Due to Jacksonville’s high crime rate, it would be in the landlord’s best interest to include a crime-free addendum. This should state that engaging in criminal activity, including drug-related activity, is prohibited on or near the property.
Medical Marijuana Use Disclosure
Under certain conditions, medical marijuana use is legal in Jacksonville—which is why it’s important to disclose if it will be permitted on the property. Florida law allows landlords to restrict marijuana usage to non-smoking methods only. Clarify if there are designated smoking areas on the premises.
Summary of Required Lease Disclosures for the State of Florida
- Landlord’s Name and Address – The landlord must include their name and mailing address on the lease. This informs tenants of where to send any future legal notices or demands.
- Radon Gas – All rental agreements require a general disclaimer about the dangers of high levels of radon gas. This gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that may cause health issues if a person is exposed over time.
- Security Deposit Holdings – Landlords must provide a written disclosure of how security deposit funds will be kept. Additionally, landlords must provide general information about security deposits and how they work in Florida.
- Lead-Based Paint – Federal law states that any home built before 1978 must disclose the risks associated with lead-based paint.
