Renters in unincorporated Hillsborough County now have expanded protections under the updated County’s Tenant’s Bill of Rights, Source of Income Anti-Discrimination and Notice of Late Fees Ordinance. The changes will assist those facing unexpected lease changes and significant increases in rent by providing additional time to secure alternative housing.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved ordinance changes Aug. 3 that establish required notifications, to include:
- at least 30-days prior notice for the termination of residential month-to-month leases
- at least 60-days prior notice for the termination of all other residential leases
- at least 60-days prior notice for any residential rent increase of more than 5% for leases with specific terms
These requirements do not apply to rental units governed exclusively by Chapter 723 of the Florida Statutes relating to mobile home park lot tenancies or short-term rentals with non-recurring rental terms of 30 days or less.
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The new ordinance changes will go into effect Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, with enforcement penalties for landlords starting Oct. 1, 2022. Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine of $500 for a first offense and any subsequent offenses.
Hillsborough County’s Tenant’s Bill of Rights, first enacted in March 2021, provides protection from income discrimination, which results in more affordable housing opportunities and more protection from homelessness. Among other provisions, the ordinance also:
- requires landlords to provide all renters a copy of the Tenant’s Bill of Rights & Resources Notice,
- requires written notice of each late fee, and
- prohibits retaliation for tenants who report a health or safety violation or file a Fair Housing complaint.
Click here for full details and how to report violations.
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