In 2018, The City of Gainesville Commissioners formed a committee to review the rental ordinances and determine what improvements should be made to help ensure and enforce all rental properties meet enhanced building codes and increased energy efficiency standards.  

A stakeholder group was formed with a few of the commissioners, codes enforcement staff, several local property managers, the UF student council, and a local affordable housing coalition.

We met over the last few years to try and help shape the new ordinance, so it still protects your private property rights as well as meets the city's purpose to ensure all rental properties meet building codes and compliances.

While I and many others strongly feel the newly passed ordinance will actually increase the cost of rental housing, we are here to help you understand what is needed to comply with these new rules and the deadlines that have been set.  

If you are interested in more information on the potential class action law suit proposed by a group of Property Managers, Broker, Investors and Attorneys please reach out to our Broker, Tanya Chappell directly and review this months Brokers Corner for more information. 

What is Considered a Regulated Residential Unit?

It is important to note that this ordinance now applies to all rental property 4 units and less. So that now includes many condominiums and planned unit developments as well as all single-family homes.

"Tenant" is described as someone who rents a property for a period of greater than 30 consecutive days.

"Rent" is defined as any money, consideration, or benefit. These definitions mean this could even include leasing out a spare bedroom to a family member, extended family member, friend, boyfriend, and/or girlfriend; essentially anyone that is not on the deed (Yes, my jaw dropped, too). 

Rest assured we will continue to try to work with the city to help protect your private property rights as these inevitable disputes and issues arise out of this new ordinance. There has been discussion of a possible lawsuit filed against the city for these new ordinances for its overreaching power.  

Below are the most important highlights as well as links to resources, the permit website, videos, and informational handouts on the ordinance from the city.  

Property energy efficiency and maintenance requirements include 

• Mandatory City inspections every 4 years or as they receive complaints. 
• Carbon monoxide detector even if you don't have gas appliances. 
• R19 insulation in the attic 
• R30 insulated weather stripping on attic access. 
• Low flow shower heads 2.2-gal min  
• Low faucets 2.2-gal min  
• Toilets 3-gal flush or less  
• Smoke alarms outside of bedrooms 
• Fire extinguisher 
• All visible exterior water lines insulated for the first 3feet. 
• Pressure release valve on all water heaters 

Administrative Requirements

• October 1, 2021, All homes (townhomes, single-family, condos, etc) will need a permit 10 days before being rented Fee is $122 (Click here )
• Renewals are required every September. 
• Provide tenant with a copy of the Florida Landlord Tenant Law Brochure (click here) 
• Provide tenant with Bill of rights brochure (click here) 
• Provide the tenant with your property's energy efficiency score that will be provided by the city after your first inspection has been performed.  Click Here
• Complete and submit self-inspection checklist on a form provided by the city.  
• Provide HVAC maintenance service documentation every two years.  
• Out of town Landlords must provide contact info for their local representative.  
• October 1,2026 further increased energy efficiency standards start.  
• 30 days to rectify any non-compliance once cited.

Residential Rental Property Regulations Webinar Full Video:

Our property management team is here to help guide homeowners through these new, complex city mandates.  Our team can fulfill the city's requirement of having a local contact. We can also ensure your home remains in compliance with all new ordinances. Give us a call or send us an email anytime if you have any questions regarding these new regulations and how we can help!

Below is an example of a letter received by the city indicating an inspection day and time. A $100 fine is given if an occupant, owner, or representative are not present.

 
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