The Importance of Proper Lease Agreements: What Crestview Landlords Must Include
A handshake and good faith aren’t enough to protect your rental property in today’s legal landscape. If you're a Crestview landlord, the single most important document you'll rely on is your lease agreement. A well-drafted lease is not just a piece of paper—it’s a legal contract that defines your rights, your tenant’s responsibilities, and the long-term health of your rental investment.
At Kuntz Property Group, we’ve seen how proper lease agreements can prevent legal battles, late payments, and property damage. In this guide, we’ll break down what every Crestview rental lease must include, the common mistakes to avoid, and why relying on a generic template isn’t worth the risk.
Why Lease Agreements Matter More Than You Think
Think of your lease agreement as your Crestview property’s first line of defense. A solid lease:
Protects your legal rights
Reduces misunderstandings
Clarifies responsibilities
Provides grounds for enforcement
Helps you win in court, if necessary
Without a proper lease in place, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to disputes, unpaid rent, and expensive legal consequences.
1. Names of All Tenants
Your lease should clearly list every adult who will live in the rental unit—not just the primary tenant. This ensures:
Everyone is legally responsible for rent
You can enforce rules against all occupants
You’re protected if someone skips out
📌 Tip: Anyone over 18 should fill out a rental application and be added to the lease.
2. Lease Term and Renewal Clause
Be specific about:
Start and end dates
Whether it’s a fixed-term lease or month-to-month
Automatic renewal terms or procedures for renewal
3. Rent Details
Outline the full rent agreement, including:
Monthly rent amount
Due date
Accepted payment methods
Late fees and grace periods
Returned check fees
Be sure to specify when and how rent must be paid (e.g., online portal, check, direct deposit).
4. Security Deposit Terms
Under Florida law, landlords must be very clear about:
Deposit amount collected
Where it’s held
When it will be returned
What conditions may reduce the return
5. Maintenance and Repairs
Avoid “he said, she said” disputes by spelling out:
What the tenant must maintain (e.g., lawn, AC filters, cleanliness)
What repairs the landlord is responsible for
How to report maintenance requests
Expected timeframes for repairs
This keeps your property in good shape—and everyone accountable.
🛠️ Handle repairs like a pro: Handling repairs as a Crestview Landlord
6. Utilities and Services
List which utilities are included in the rent, and which are not. Be sure to clarify:
Who sets up and pays for electricity, water, trash
Due dates for utility set-ups.
Who is responsible for lawn care, pest control, internet, etc.
Ambiguity here leads to billing issues and unhappy tenants.
❗️Pro-tip: Provide a list and contact information of utility providers to the tenants for move-in ease.
7. Rules for Guests, Subletting & Occupancy
Make your guest and subleasing policy very clear. For example:
Limit guests to 14 days per 6-month period
Require written approval for subleasing or additional occupants
Specify maximum occupancy limits in accordance with HUD standards
If it’s not written, you can’t enforce it.
8. Pet Policies
If you allow pets, outline:
Pet fees and deposits
Breed and weight restrictions
Liability for pet damage
Vaccination or registration requirements
Or, state that no pets are allowed and what happens if one is discovered.
9. Right of Entry
Florida law requires that landlords give at least 24 hours' notice before entering a property for:
Inspections
Repairs
Showing the property
Include this clause in your lease to protect your access rights while staying legally compliant.
10. Termination & Eviction Terms
Include a section that covers:
Grounds for early lease termination
Penalties for breaking the lease
Eviction process (non-payment, lease violations)
Required notice periods under Florida law
This ensures both you and your tenant know what happens if things go wrong.
11. Disclosures and Addendums
Florida requires landlords to disclose:
The presence of lead-based paint (for homes built before 1978)
Landlord’s contact information
Any known hazards or code violations
Addendums you may want to include:
Pet agreement
Smoking policy
Maintenance responsibilities
HOA rules (if applicable)
📌 Tip: Keep all disclosures signed and dated for future reference.
12. Signatures and Dates
Seems obvious—but every lease must be signed and dated by all parties. You must also provide a copy of the signed lease to each tenant.
How Kuntz Property Group Creates Bulletproof Lease Agreements
At Kuntz Property Group, we don’t use generic templates. Every lease we draft is:
✅ Compliant with Florida and federal law
✅ Tailored to the specific property
✅ Designed to protect landlord rights
✅ Reviewed with tenants for clarity
✅ Digitally signed and stored for easy access
We believe the lease is the foundation of a good landlord-tenant relationship—and we make sure it's solid.
Click here for a free rental analysis or to learn more about our property management services!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave It to Chance
Your lease isn’t just a formality—it’s a contract that governs your rental business. Without the right terms, you’re vulnerable to rent loss, damage, and legal challenges.
Whether you’re managing one home or multiple units in Crestview, the safest, smartest decision is to partner with a Crestview property manager who knows the law and how to protect your bottom line.
At Kuntz Property Group, we make lease creation simple, professional, and legally sound—so you can rent with confidence.
