Your Rights as the Tenant in a Florida Vacation Rental Home

Renting an Orlando vacation home is a great way to save money on your next vacation, while enjoying living in the lap of luxury. However, not every company renting these homes is following the law. It’s important that you know what the laws are and what your rights are. Check out some of the most important points below.

Start by understanding what constitutes a vacation rental

First and foremost you must be sure that the home you’re renting qualifies as a vacation rental. According to Section 509.242(1)(c) of Florida Statues, a vacation rental is: “any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family or four-family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment but that is not a timeshare project.”

The unit must be kept clean – but what does that mean?

The Florida Statue referenced above states that the unit must be clean, safe and in good physical condition, but what exactly does that mean? It goes on to give you some specifics, including:

• If bedding is provided it must be clean, unworn, and stored properly.
• Bed sheets, blankets, and mattresses must be the right size to ensure the entire sleeping area is covered.
• Pillowcases and sheets have to be cleaned, changed between each guest (or once a week – whichever comes first), and in good condition.
• Mattresses, pillows, comforters, and other bedding items have to be aired, kept clean, and disinfected.
• If soap is provided it must be either liquid soap in a dispenser or in individually wrapped bar form.
• If baby cribs are provided they must meet the safety requirements as established by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
• If glassware and dishes are provided then they must be rinsed, washed, and sanitized between each guest the rental is rented. This warewashing must use a three-compartment sink or commercial dishwasher. In the event that a vacation rental company doesn’t have what they need to meet this requirement, then they must post a notice stating that the glassware and dishes haven’t been sanitized according to public food service establishment standards.
• The rental must be free of vermin.

Know the fire safety requirements

There are requirements set up by the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Safety Code, which will vary based on a wide variety of factors. They include occupancy limits, posted fire-safety information, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and emergency exits. If you’re concerned the unit you’re rented doesn’t meet these requirements, you can contact the local fire safety authorities.

At Orlandovacation.com we have a wealth of experience providing quality Orlando vacation rentals. We know how to keep our properties not just up to date with these statues, but comfortable, safe, and affordable for every single client.