Marketing Services
What area does your company service?
Jacksonville Rental Finders manages properties throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area. We also work in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
How would a potential renter find you?
We use various traffic generators, such as internet marketing, search engine placement, print advertising, direct mail, local advertising and word of mouth.
How do you market vacant rental units?
Jacksonville Rental Finders’ database provides us with a large network to target, word of mouth also provides us with many referrals, we utilize print advertising, the internet, lead management and a wide use of other media to market all of our properties.
How long does it take to locate a tenant?
Usually we can locate qualified renters within 7 – 21 days of listing a property. Often it is contingent on the following factors:
- The appearance of the listed home or rental unit
- The rental price is comparable to that of the surrounding market
- The availability of the unit for showings
How are rates determined for units?
Jacksonville Rental Finders leasing agents can assist you in locating the best available rental at a competitive price based on market analysis through the MLS, our database listings and geographical locations. However, final rental fees are determined by the owner of the property.
What is the amount of security deposit required?
A minimum of one month’s rent is required as a deposit for qualified applicants. However, there may be a higher deposit required based on the applicant’s previous rental information. The final decision of the deposit amount is determined by the Property Owner.
Why should a property be listed on MLS under rentals?
At Jacksonville Rental Finders we believe the MLS is one of the best ways to get the most exposure for a property. Our expert staff is knowledgeable about the best information to submit to the MLS and would be happy to sit down to discuss a plan for your property.
Should we include pictures of the property?
We have all heard the saying a picture is worth a thousand words. Potential renters can get a glimpse of your property and determine if they like what they see. Photos can be of your different floor plans, the property, amenities offered (pool, fitness facility), on inside your rental unit. We can add them to your listing for you or if you do not have your property on the MLS we can do everything at one time. Our suggestion for the number of pictures is no less than four and no more than ten.
Can I continue to list my own property while it is listed with you?
Yes. We offer nonexclusive Listing Contracts. You pay us if we present the tenant only.
Can I continue a listing while a tenant is living in the unit?
Yes. Keep in mind that any sale or lease will be subject to the terms of the leasing agreement completed by the existing tenant. If a potential buyer is interested in seeing the apartment, condo, or home, you will need to make arrange with the current tenant in advance. If you are attempting to sell the property it would be beneficial for you put into writing any special provisions you may need in the leasing agreement to show the unit while it is rented.
Can I list my property for sale and rent at the same time?
Yes. Please note if you have an electronic lockbox, we will need a code to enter the unit. If you use a combination lockbox, we will need instructions on how to access the unit for showing. If you have a key lockbox, we will need two sets of keys to enter the property.
How do I update information provided for my property listing?
Contact your agent at Jacksonville Rental Finders that listed the property for you. We will make any changes needed and notify all those that should be informed.
Can you sell my rental house, condo or apartment?
Absolutely! We are located in the Keller Williams office in South Jacksonville. This gives us access to many of the area’s top Real Estate Sales Specialists. Additionally, we are a member of the local Board of Realtors, where all listings are featured in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is the software system that member of the local Board of Realtors go to find information on any apartment, condo or home sale inquiry for their customers. Thousands of local Realtors have access to our listings and can show our properties. This is why utilizing a lock box will open up your listings to all licensed professionals to sell for you.
Tenant Referral
What price can I get to rent my house, condo, duplex, or apartment?
All rental rates correlated to your property are made with the competitive market in the surrounding area in mind. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have and encourage you to contact our office at (904) 565-9040.
What is the cost or service fee or fee configuration?
All fees are determined by the level of service selected by the Property Owner:
- Level 1: We Find the Renter – 50% of the first months’ rent
- Level 2: We Find and Lease the Unit for You – One full months’ rent
- Level 1: Property Management – Rental Placement Fee of one full months’ rent and a 10% monthly Management Fee
Tenant Screening
Do you, the owner, have to allow pets?
No. Jacksonville Rental Finders can provide you with information regarding what special concessions your competition is offering. If you choose to allow pets or other concessions after reviewing the information we can assist you in changing your leasing agreements.
How do you screen prospective residents?
The level of screening we provide is determined by the level of service you choose.
Level 1 Referral Only service: We provide the tenant based on the guidelines you provide us with. You screen, qualify and determine the renter.
Level 2 and 3 Service: Jacksonville Rental Finders screens and qualifies every potential applicant thoroughly to minimize tenant problems. Our screening process involves a complete report that includes:
- A full credit report and history
- National criminal background check
- National eviction search and residence history
- Employment verification and history
We also verify income level at least three times that of the rental rate. The Property Manager reviews the report thoroughly prior to approving the applicant for the lease.
Rent Payments and Evictions
What occurs if the rent is paid late?
Payment of rent or the failure to do so is a very serious matter. If a tenant pays the rent late action should be sift and immediate. Each of our leases is specifically written so the rent is due on the first of each month, to ensure that all payments are made on time. When generic leasing agreements are used, whether they are downloaded off the internet or used by property staff, the lease usually allots for a 5 to 7 day grace period, and then the rent is late. A tenant’s rent is expected to be paid when it is due. (The grace period should be the 30 days before the first of the month). If rent is not received by the due date the tenant will receive a telephone call and or an email regarding the rent due. If action is not taken by the tenant, a three day notice will be enforced. Florida law states this is the first action to be taken by a property manager or owner prior to eviction. This is the written notice that rent must be paid or further action will be taken.
What happens if the rent is not paid by the tenant?
Usually the tenant pays the rent. If this does not occur and the 3 days notice has past, we make the last and final attempt to react the tenant. If payment is not made immediately, we contact the owner of the property to discuss filing immediate eviction papers or allow the tenant more time.
What happens if we need to evict the tenant?
We have an excellent track record of providing the highest quality of tenants to property owners throughout the Jacksonville area for many years. This is why our process is so incredibly thorough. At times an eviction is necessary however. We will take care of the entire process by utilizing our legal resources. We will prosecute the tenant to the fullest extent of the law and as efficiently as possible. Providing you with a quality tenant that pays on time is the objective.
How long does it take to evict a tenant in the Jacksonville Area?
Following the proper steps is of the most importance to ensure that the process is done as quickly as possible. Often an eviction in Jacksonville takes 35 – 55 days. Many different factors may delay the eviction like: the tenant may dispute the eviction or there may be a delay in the court process (such as December holiday season, a specific county court’s schedule). Every property and eviction is different. Please contact us with questions regarding how we handle evictions, or if you need our assistance in recommending an effective local real estate eviction attorney.
How much money does an eviction cost?
We have found that doing an eviction with one of our attorneys usually costs around $450 or $750 (as long as the proceedings go according to plan). Our lawyers work with us on other leasing agreements such as lease preparations and closings and we have them on a retainer so they offer us preferred company pricing. If you manage your own property and need to go through the eviction process yourself it may cost you over $900.
What if there is extensive damage to my property?
If a quality tenant is chosen to rent a property, walkthroughs are done as well, offensive damage to the property is usually not a concern. If a tenant does cause serious damage to the property we will work with you to get the damages taken care as speedily as possible so we can rent it out quickly. Once the damages have been assessed and taken care of we will assist you in obtaining judgments on the damages and filing complaints or requesting collections if relevant.
Accounting
What is the procedure for collecting rent?
- All rent is due the first of the month and is considered late as of the fifth
- First notices are given on the fifth. Three day notices are posted on the tenth
- Court cases are initiated against all residents that are delinquent on the fifteenth.
- We collaborate directly with a specialized real estate lawyer to handle evictions effectively
When does an owner get his or her check?
- We disburse funds one time per month
- Owners are mailed their check on the fifteenth of each month
- Direct deposit is an option with local banks in the area
- Monthly statements are emailed or mailed to property owner
Do we have to hold the Security Deposit?
The statutes of Florida law requires that all security deposits be held separate from other funds. Jacksonville Rental Finders Property Management holds all security deposits in a bank account deemed for security deposits only. Security deposits are disbursed by our company upon the tenant vacating the residence and are only distributed to the tenant or the property owner.
Communication
Can you provide me with more information?
We’ll gladly provide a free rental appraisal of your property or more information about our services.
Maintenance
How do you handle maintenance?
Our staff is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to take care of emergencies. Any non-emergency repairs or concerns are determined and handled in a timely manner. We oversee each property, provide maintenance and repairs in the best interest of the owner. We understand that maintenance problems can be frustrating and we promise to work as efficiently as possible to correct them for you.
