Reducing vacancy times means acting quickly when owners learn that a current resident doesn't want to renew their lease. In many cases, good residents relocate for a new job or need more space for a giteming family. However, in other instances, you might also be ready for a renter to move out—so you can replace them with a better resident at the end of their term.
The longer your Bradenton property stays empty, the more rental income you lose. Without money-saving property updates, you also lose money on the property's expenses until a new renter moves in.
Whatever the reason for an upcoming vacancy, real estate investors must follow the law when marketing a property to find new renters. Can you show the property to prospective renters while a resident still lives there? Yes, but keep our expert Bradenton property management tips in mind to avoid a lawsuit!
It's Easier to Show An Empty Property, But . . .
Waiting to show your rental can be expensive! Of course, as Bradenton property management experts, we know there are fewer rules involved when showing an empty property. Working around current residents can create a scheduling hassle. Without anyone living in the rental, investors can come and go as needed to handle the makeready process and show the property to potential residents.
However, waiting until your current residents move out before marketing and showing your rental can lead to lost income. Every day that your property doesn't have a renter is an expensive day for an investor!
Bradenton investors who list and show properties as soon as they know that a renter won't renew can reduce vacancy rates—and income loss. A property manager can help you navigate the rules and minimize disruption to your current residents while marketing and showing your property and screening for your next renter!
Know the Rules
Even though you own the property, renters have privacy rights. It's critical to understand the rules to avoid legal issues as your renters end their lease term.
A rental property owner can't enter an occupied property without proper notice before entry. In Florida, a property owner can legally enter a rental for a variety of reasons, including:
- In an emergency (including fire, a water leak, or other property emergencies)
- With a court order
- To make necessary repairs and maintenance or conduct inspections
- When there is reasonable cause to indicate a renter abandoned the property
- Giving access to contractors or potential purchasers (if selling the rental)
- Showing the property to new potential renters
While these reasons grant legal access to your Bradenton rental property, walking in unannounced can lead to problems with your existing residents—even if they plan to move out. It's difficult to give adequate notice of entry during an emergency, but in the absence of a time-sensitive (and legal) reason to enter a rental, real estate investors must provide plenty of notice before entering the property.
What Is "Notice?"
How much "notice" is notice? Does a quick text while you're on the way to the property count as enough notice? Probably not.
To comply with entry laws, current residents in your Bradenton property need to know that you're coming with a reasonable amount of time before you arrive. When alerting residents that you plan to show the rental:
- Give 12 hours notice
- Provide notice in writing by email (or text)
- Schedule the showing during "reasonable" hours
While many potential renters might need evening or weekend showings, make sure these times aren't too early or late in the day. Forcing current residents to accommodate a showing before 8:00 am or after 8:00 pm could be considered "unreasonable."
Can Your Renter Say "No?"
In short, no. When rental property owners give plenty of notice about a showing scheduled during reasonable hours, current residents can't refuse to allow entry into the property. Investors have a right to find a new renter (while minimizing any inconvenience to current residents). However, if residents request a different time for a showing, investors can work with them to find a convenient time for your existing renters and new potential residents.
Encourage Cooperation
Maintain a positive, professional relationship with your outbound residents through the end of their lease. Encourage them to cooperate with your new renter search by asking them to keep the rental tidy and step out for a few minutes when showing the property. Reward their help with a gift card to a local Bradenton restaurant!
Show Rentals Soon (and Often) With Bradenton Property Management
You don't have a new renter until an applicant signs a lease! The best Bradenton property management company makes it easy to market and show your property—as often as it takes to find your new renter—as soon we know a lease term is ending. Choosing Gulf Coast Property Management means you have experts who understand how to list your rental and find the best new residents! Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
.png)