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AWARD
VACATION HOMES...
... .. ..... .. .. ... ..... ....we'll
manage your home by Loyal Appointment
If you are contemplating buying a property in Florida near the Walt
Disney World area, you will most certainly require the services of a
local company to manage and possibly to rent out your vacation property
in your absence.
As your Property Management Company, we will perform many important
functions, all designed to maintain your Florida property to the highest
standards while ensuring your peace of mind. We can structure a management
agreement to meet your needs, whether your Florida property will be
for personal use, short or long term rental. The following is an explanation
in detail of the functions that we perform; after which is a “quick
reference guide”.
LICENSING
Florida properties which are intended to participate in a short term
rental program, must be properly licensed with the Department of Regulation,
Division of Hotels and Restaurants, a Florida State Agency. The annual
fee is $140 - $150 for single family residences. In addition, the State
of Florida will inspect each rental home before issuing the license.
The inspection will require that each home have the following:
1. A “2A40BC” fire extinguisher.
2. Additional smoke alarm for the hearing impaired.
3. All exterior doors, including the glass sliding doors, will need
a double locking system.
4. A rate card must be on file and maintained in the management company
office
5. Smoke alarms in all sleeping areas, i.e. bedrooms and living areas,
and they must be inter connected. If already built, we will inspect
your home to make sure you are in compliance. If your home is to be
built, the developer will usually install smoke alarms at no charge.
We always ensure that the home complies with the law.
TAXES
In addition to the property taxes that every homeowner has to pay a
tax based on the gross rents received must be collected for any rentals
of 180 days or less. This tax is made up of :
1. A 4-5% Tourist Development or Resort Tax
2. A 6-7% State of Florida Sales Tax Total: 10-12% of gross rentals.
Normally these taxes are charged on top of the rents and paid by the
tenants - much the same as would take place with a hotel or motel.
We collect these taxes and submit them to the appropriate agencies on
a monthly basis in compliance with the law. We also will, ensure that
you are properly registered. We collect and pay all Sales Resort Tax
on the rental income it generates for your property. It is the responsibility
of the owner to declare the rental income achieved on Owner Bookings
and to pay the relevant tourist tax. However, we will be happy to pay,
upon your instruction the amount due to the relevant county tax office.
INSURANCE
All owners of rental properties must have a current homeowners’ insurance
policy in effect, a copy of which is to be kept on file in our offices.
It is recommended that one million dollars of liability coverage be
purchased along with the standard homeowners’ policy. The costs depend
on the size of the home, location and type of construction.
ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS
Each property owner will receive an accounting of all revenues received
and all expenditures relating to their rental property on a monthly
basis in accordance with the Property Management Agreement. Service
charges, utilities, management fees and any miscellaneous charges will
be debited from your account as per prior arrangement at this time.
If for any reason there were moneys due to us, these would be due at
this time. The monthly statements obviously become an important record
for your year-end tax purposes; however, we will supply a year-end accounting
statement recapping all activity for the current year.
Each month an accounting statement is sent to you showing deposits and
withdrawals, i.e. income and expense. This is used at year-end to provide
you and your accountant with an accurate record of your operating expense.
This is a client escrow and, by Florida Law, has to be maintained in
a credit balance. We cannot use the funds in this account for anything
other than your expenses.
SERVICES
We provide a complete line of services to maintain and enhance your
property's rental value. All services are carried out by fully licensed
professionals. Following is a list of the property maintenance services
we provide and an explanation of each.
1. Lawn Service - Complete maintenance of the entire lawn area including
grass mowing, trimming, watering and fertilization. Your lawn will be
monitored so that if any problems, such as excessive weeds, cinch bugs,
etc. become evident treatment can be initiated immediately thus avoiding
more costly damage later. Lawn service is performed weekly during the
growing season and less frequently during the dormant season, but no
less than twice per month. This service is billed in 12 equal monthly
payments.
2. Pool Service - Complete cleaning of the pool, pool traps, pump traps
and pump filters. In addition, the water is chlorinated and pH balanced.
All chemicals are included. Service performed, 52 weeks a year and is
billed in a monthly basis.
3. Pest Control - The chemical treatment of the interior and exterior
of the home for the elimination of all types of insects. This is a normal
and recommended service for all Florida homes. Homes are treated every
month. The service is billed based on 12 equal monthly payments.
4. Home Cleaning Service -The complete cleaning of home linens, towels,
bedcovers and dishes following the checkout of a renter. An inventory
is performed at this time checking for damages, if necessary, the renters
damage deposit is charged. This procedure is essential for preserving
the home and furnishings for you the homeowner. Home cleaning service
is available on a more frequent basis if the renter desires it and would
be billed directly unless prior arrangements have been made. Home cleaning
service is billed on your monthly statement when utilized.
5. Maintenance – Scuff marks on the wall, small spots on the carpet,
minor damage to dishes, etc. are considered “normal wear and tear”.
Most often, these types of things can be corrected and there is no charge
to the renter or the homeowner. However, occasionally there is a need
for major maintenance.
BILL PAYER SERVICE
The home owner will in most cases open an account at a local U.S. bank
for such purposes as direct payment of their mortgage and transfer of
funds between the Property Management Company and the home owner.
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