How to Rent Condominiums in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a 120-mile stretch of islands steeped in history and lore. Known for its scenic beauty, laid-back lifestyles and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, the Keys attract visitors from all over the world. A thriving nightlife and a well-developed arts scene make the Keys an attractive place to put down permanent roots. Whether you're planning a vacation or intend to relocate to the Florida Keys, a condominium might be the way to go. The process of renting condominiums in the Florida Keys may be easier than you think.
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Instructions
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Investigate the benefits and drawbacks of the three main geographic regions: the Upper Keys, which include a part of Miami Dade County and Key Largo; the Middle Keys, which include the city of Marathon; and the Lower Keys, which include Key West. This will help you decide where in the Florida Keys you'd like to rent
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Research several real estate agencies in the part of the Keys where you plan to rent your condominium. Most brokerages have an Internet presence, so it should be easy to compile a list. Look for agents who specialize in condo rentals, first of all, and who specialize in the term of the rental you prefer, secondarily -- short-term, if you'll be vacationing, or long-term if you'll be staying six months or longer. Interview a few agents you feel can meet your needs, and choose one with whom you would like to work. There is a list of realtors in the resources to get you started.
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List the features you desire in a condo rental. Include your budget, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and on-site amenities you prefer. Decide how far you want to be from the water. You won't be far from water regardless of where in the Keys your condo is, but you'll pay a premium for a waterfront or waterview unit. Consider, too, how busy an area you prefer. For example, the Key West condo that would make for a perfect vacation could put you deeper into the thick of traffic and crowds than you'd be comfortable with in the long term. Discuss these points with your agent.
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Ask you agent about the typical requirements for the type of rental you need. For vacation rentals, there might be a security fee and you may need to supply your own bedding and towels. If you'll be renting a condo to live in as your primary or vacation home, find out if what the application process is and what credit requirements you'll need to meet. Request a relocation packet if you'll be relocating to the Keys from another part of the country. It'll have vital information about hospitals and emergency services, hurricane evacuation routes, shopping, houses of worship and other day-to-day necessities.
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Request condo listings from your agent, or research available units yourself using the Internet. Choose from the list if you're renting for a vacation. Choose several you'd like to see in person if you'll be renting long term and contact your agent to schedule appointments. If you'll be traveling a long distance to the Keys to condo-hunt, let your agent know. She'll suggest accommodations and schedule your showings in a way that's compatible with your travel schedule.
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Do a walk-through of a condo you plan to rent long-term before you sign the lease, and make note of any defects. Ask the owner to sign off on the list so that there won't be any question about whether or not the defects where there when you took possession.
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Sign your lease. Make sure you agree with each point, and that anything you requested be added to the lease has, in fact, been added. Take particular note of insurance requirements. The Keys' exposure to harsh weather may prompt your landlord to require that you take out renter's insurance to cover your belongings.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're renting long-term, request a copy of the homeowner's association Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. This document contains all the rules and regulations. Be sure you agree with them before you sign the lease. As a tenant, you likely will not have the right to challenge regulations or vote on them.
It's often possible to rent a condo directly from its owner, although the process may be more difficult if you live far from the Keys. Check websites that only list rentals by owners and classified ads that focus on the Keys region.
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