Insurance Companies (Property)
Below, please find the names of some local Insurance Brokers/Companies that service the investment property industry.
Please feel free to contact them for a quote;
P Fudge and Associates, Inc
Contact: Kathy Longtin
Office: 407-965-4253
Direct: 321-972-9920
Fax: 407-386-7461
Email: kathy@fudgeinsurance.com
Website: www.fudgeinsurance.com
What is considered Normal Wear and Tear on a Rental Home?
Florida Law allows for Landlords and Property Managers to charge for damages that occur to a property above “Normal Wear and Tear”. This question is often asked however the government has not yet released any hard evidence to differentiate between what is Normal and what is considered Damage. In essence, a Landlord can expect that when a tenant leave a property, it should be returned back in it’s original condition, minus normal wear and tear.
Even the most conscientious tenant will cause minor damage over the course of a rental agreement which is typically referred to as “normal wear and tear”. It might include small scratches on the walls or paint, worn or slightly stained carpeting or other insignificant damage. Having to repaint the property, clean the carpet and repair a few minor items after each tenant moves out are to be expected due to normal wear and tear, and not something a Landlord can expect to charge tenants for.
We consider “Normal wear and Tear” to be the normal deterioration which occurs to a property naturally and without regard to any negligence, carelessness, accidents or abuse to the property by the tenants of their guests.
Damage would then be considered anything caused by the negligence, carelessness, abuse or accident of the tenants and their guests.
We have endeavored to compile a list of scenarios that are to represent a reasonable interpretation of the difference between Normal Wear and Tear and Damages. We use this reference to determine our charges and claims. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and is meant as a rough guide only. Please also keep in mind that every situation is different and judgement calls must be made in the event an item falls between the two scenarios.
| Wear and Tear | Damage |
|---|---|
| Small nail holes caused by “penny nails” | Large holes from screws, wall anchors or brackets |
| Faded or worn paint | Non-matching touch up painting or patching |
| Faded caulking around tub/shower | Missing or mildewed caulking |
| Hard water deposits | Dirt/mildew/mold build-up from preventable or unreported leaks or drips |
| Worn out keys | Broken, lost, or unreturned keys or knobs |
| Loose hinges or handles | Damaged doors or hardware from forced entry |
| Worn carpet traffic patterns | Torn, burned, stained, missing, ripped or snagged carpet. |
| Faded finish on wood floors | Scratched, gouged, warped, or water damaged floors. |
| Linoleum worn thin | Linoleum with tears, chips or holes |
| Worn counter tops due to daily use | Burned, cut, stained, scratched or water damaged counters |
| Stain on ceiling from rain or water leak | Unreported leaks, smoking, cooking grease stains |
| Faded, chipped or cracked paint | Unapproved or poor tenant paint job |
| Loose wallpaper | Ripped or torn wallpaper |
| Heat blistered blinds and frayed cords | Blinds with bent or broken slats |
| Hard to open window (sun damaged frame) | Broken window or tabs |
| Toilet rocking | Broken seat, tank top, chipped bowl, or running toilet |
| Musty odor | Urine, pet or smoke odor |
| Non-functioning smoke detector | Missing or detached detector |
| Non-functional light fixtures or wiring issue | Missing, burnt out, or incorrect light bulbs |
These are some examples of the differences between Normal Wear and Tear and Damages in order to help Owners understand the differences and what can and cannot be charged in a security deposit claim.
Periodic and Mid-term Property Inspections
In order to ensure a resident is taking proper care of your investment property, prior to occupancy, a detailed move-in inspection is performed with the tenant present. Around mid-term of the lease (at the owner’s expense), a third party home inspector will perform an interior and exterior inspection and provide a detailed report which will include photos and be emailed to the owner. As an owner of such an asset, this is a vital and valuable item in helping to protect your asset.
In addition, our property managers perform periodic random drive-bys for a visual survey of the property.
Please feel free to contact our customer service department should you have any additional questions regarding these inspections;
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. If the rent is not paid by the 5th of the month, a late fee will be assessed as per the lease agreement. If rent has not been received by the 5th of the month, the property Manager is in a position to post a 3 day notice for non-payment of rent on the front door of the property. After 3 days (excluding weekends and holidays) has expired and the resident has not paid rent, we will confer with the owner as to the plan of action. Once their time has expired, we can then file for eviction. The eviction process from beginning to end takes about 30 – 45 days in a normal uncontested eviction.
(Note: If a property is located in a different county than where the rent is to be paid, an additional 5 days (excluding weekends and holidays) must be added to the 3-day notice)
Owner Disbursements, Payments and Statements
Owner payments and disbursements are processed between the 11th and the 15th of each month by direct deposit. Owner statements are made available in your owner portal and you will receive an email when they are ready to view.
In the event a tenant pays late, owner draws will disbursed once the tenants payment has cleared our account.
Owner portals can be accessed through our website www.ManageCentralFloridaProperty.com > Owners > Owner Portal