A friend who recently listed a rental in Tampa only checked the credit score and did not verify the previous rental history before signing the lease. Although the credit score was decent, it turned out that they had a history of multiple evictions from their previous home. Ultimately, the same issues arose a few months later. Relying solely on the credit score can lead to missing important details like this.

Let's go through the steps in order. First is the rent price. According to Zumper data, as of July 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Tampa is $1,470, and for a two-bedroom, it's $1,830. The overall average for apartments is around $1,950. Even within Tampa, there can be significant differences in rent prices between downtown and the suburbs, so it's best to compare based on the neighborhood where your property is located.

Once you've set the rent price, you can list the property on sites like Zillow and Apartments.com. Clearly stating details such as photos, square footage, parking availability, and move-in dates will help filter inquiries.

This is where we can avoid the mistakes mentioned earlier. Don't stop at just checking the credit score; you need to verify income documentation and previous rental history as well. Income is often assessed based on a standard of about three times the rent. Calling the previous landlord to ask if there were any late rent payments or how the lease was terminated can provide more accurate information than the credit score.

Once a tenant is selected, don't forget to document the condition of the property with photos and videos before handing over the keys. Checking the state of the walls, floors, and appliances with the tenant and having them sign a checklist can reduce disputes later about what damages were pre-existing, even if you missed something in their history.

After selecting a tenant, you'll need to draft a lease agreement. It should include all details such as rent amount, payment due date, security deposit, lease term, and maintenance responsibilities. Establishing timelines for repair requests and notification methods before visits can help prevent conflicts later. Verbal agreements won't hold up as evidence later.

In Florida, there is no cap on security deposits, so it's common to set it between one to two months' rent. If there are no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 15 days, and if there are deductions, you must notify in writing within 30 days. If you miss the notification deadline, you'll have to return the deposit and may have to cover the tenant's attorney fees.

If you need to evict a tenant for non-payment, the first step is to issue a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate. For lease violations, a seven-day notice to cure is required first. If you want to evict a month-to-month tenant, you must give 30 days' notice.

If you decide to rent out your property, you should also review your insurance. Homeowner's insurance for primary residences and landlord insurance have different coverage. It's wise to inform your insurance company that you're converting to a rental and to ensure you have adequate coverage in case you don't fully understand the tenant's history.

If you're renting out for the first time in Tampa, it's crucial not to rely solely on the credit score but to go through all three verification steps to save time in the long run. Although the initial process may seem cumbersome, it can prevent months of headaches later. Remember that the credit score is just one aspect of a person, and looking at the rental history as well will give you a complete picture. As in my friend's case, it's common to feel reassured by one indicator only to regret it later. Developing the habit of checking all three criteria from the start will make you feel much more at ease when renting out next time. This article summarizes general information, and actual contract terms may vary by situation. Please consult a lawyer or real estate professional before finalizing any agreements.