How to Rent Out Your Home While Relocating to a New State

Photo by Gustavo Fring

Relocating to a new state brings a wave of excitement, but it also brings important decisions, one of the biggest being what to do with your current home. Renting it out can be a great way to generate income while starting a new chapter, yet managing the rental process from afar presents its own set of challenges.

For those transitioning from their local area or a place like Fort Lauderdale, where plenty of people visit,  renting out their property offers a practical solution. However, it requires careful planning, from finding reliable tenants to ensuring the property’s upkeep, all while navigating the demands of settling into a new location.

Whether moving across the country or just to a neighboring state, understanding the rental process and staying organized is crucial. Additionally, for adults balancing other life changes, like a recent diagnosis, simplifying the rental process can make the transition smoother and help avoid unnecessary stress.

1. Assessing Your Home’s Rental Potential: Is Your Property Ready?

Before renting out your home, it’s essential to determine if it’s a good fit for the rental market. Fort Lauderdale is desirable, with its sunny weather, bustling tourism industry, and beautiful beaches. Many people are looking to rent, especially those moving to the area for work or seasonal reasons. Start by researching the rental demand in your neighborhood. Are other homeowners renting out properties? What kinds of tenants are looking to rent in your area? Single-family homes, condos, and townhouses all have different types of appeal to other renters. By getting a feel for the market, you can understand whether your home fits the needs of potential tenants and how you should position it for rent.

2. Preparing Your Home: Make It Tenant-Ready Before You Move

Before you leave Fort Lauderdale and rent out your home, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s in tip-top shape. Walk through your home with a tenant’s eye, looking for anything that could be a potential issue. Fixing broken door locks, leaky faucets, or a faulty HVAC system before tenants move in will save you many headaches. 

Another critical step is to move your stuff to your new home. Packing up furniture, clothing, and household items takes time and effort, so planning is essential. There are plenty of reliable movers in Fort Lauderdale or in your area who can help ease the burden. Hiring a moving company will save you time and make the process more efficient. If you’re renting out a furnished property, decide which items stay and which will be moved with you. This also lets you declutter your home, removing personal items that don’t need to remain in a rental space.

3. Navigating Local and State Laws: Know Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent—it also comes with legal responsibilities. Florida has specific landlord-tenant laws that you must familiarize yourself with before renting your property. These laws govern everything from security deposits to the notice period required for entering the property. As a landlord, following these laws carefully is crucial to avoid any legal disputes with your tenants.

In addition to your state or Florida’s laws, you should familiarize yourself with the laws in the state you’re relocating to. Understanding the legal framework in both locations can help you avoid potential issues. For example, moving to a state with different tenant rights or eviction processes could affect how you manage your property from afar. Hiring a lawyer to draft a proper lease agreement can also help ensure you’re legally protected as you begin this journey.

4. Crafting a Strong Lease Agreement: Protect Your Investment

Once you’re ready to rent out your property, it’s time to create a clear and thorough lease agreement. A well-drafted lease will cover all the details of the rental arrangement, such as rent amount, due dates, maintenance responsibilities, and policies for pets, subletting, or property use. Having everything in writing protects yourself legally and sets clear expectations for your tenants.

It’s a good idea to consult with a local real estate attorney to ensure your lease agreement complies with Florida’s rental laws. A strong lease protects you as a landlord and minimizes the chances of disputes arising. Include clauses that protect your property, such as penalties for late rent, and clearly outline what is expected of the tenant in terms of maintenance and upkeep.

5. Hiring a Property Management Company: The Key to Stress-Free Long-Distance Renting

Managing a rental property while living in a different state can be difficult without support, especially when issues that require immediate attention arise. That’s where hiring a property management company comes in handy. These professionals can handle day-to-day tasks like tenant communications, rent collection, and property maintenance. They can also manage any repairs or emergencies that may occur, saving you from traveling back and forth from your new state to Fort Lauderdale.

Property managers also play a critical role in screening tenants and handling any issues that arise during the lease. They’re experienced in managing tenant relations and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. While this service does come at a cost—typically a percentage of the monthly rent—it can provide peace of mind knowing that your property is being looked after by experts while you focus on your life in a new state.

6. Screening Tenants: Finding Responsible Renters to Protect Your Property

Finding the right tenant is the most critical part of the rental process. A reliable tenant will take care of your property and pay rent on time, while a problematic tenant can cause stress, financial loss, and damage to your home. Therefore, screening tenants thoroughly is essential.

When screening potential tenants, start with a comprehensive application process. This should include checking their credit score, verifying employment and income, and requesting references from previous landlords. You’ll also want to conduct a background check to ensure they are free from evictions or criminal records. While this process might seem time-consuming, it helps protect your investment and avoid future problems. If you’re working with a property management company, they will typically handle tenant screening on your behalf.

Maximizing Your Home’s Potential While Relocating

Renting out your home during a move can strategically maintain your property’s value and secure additional income. Ensuring the right tenant and staying on top of property management is key to a smooth experience. A well-maintained rental benefits you financially and gives you peace of mind as you transition to your new state.

Whether moving to a vibrant location like Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere, taking the necessary steps to manage your rental properly ensures your home continues to thrive. With the proper support and preparation, you can focus on settling into your new environment without added stress.