Helping Renters Understand Their Rights: New Ordinance requires Landlords to provide Tenant Bill of Rights

As part of a new ordinance adopted by the County Commission earlier this month, Landlords are required to provide the Tenant Bill of Rights when the Renter signs the Lease. A second Ordinance also adopted this year applies to Tenants who have Leases starting on or after May 1st and for renewals starting on or after September 1st requiring Landlords to give Tenants at least 60 days' Notice Of Rent Increases that are above 5% of the current rental rate. It also requires Landlords of Residential Rental Units provide Written Notice to Tenants regarding Late Fees under their Rental Agreements.

The County will enforce both Ordinances in the Broward Municipal Services District and encourages local enforcement of the Ordinances by municipal Code Enforcement officers. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, an influx of people moved to Florida with higher wages, resulting in an upsurge in rental rates in Florida. As a result, many residents were forced to leave their homes because of expensive rent increases with short notice.

The South Florida region saw the highest rent increases in the country in the past year. Realtor.com statistics indicate that the median rent in the Tri-County area that includes Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Counties increased 57% from March 2021 to March 2022.

If you are a renter and would like more information visit: https://www.broward.org/planning/renters/Pages/default.aspx