When moving to a different place after remodeling a home in Orlando, you may consider renting it out. In this situation, there are three main things to check when first renting: rental price, tenant screening, and the lease agreement.

First is the rental price. According to Zumper data, as of August 15, 2026, the average rental price in Orlando is $1,906. A studio apartment is around $1,400, a one-bedroom is about $1,419, and a two-bedroom is approximately $1,700. Just because you remodeled doesn't mean you can charge above market rates; doing so may only extend the vacancy period. It's best to find and compare a few recent listings with similar conditions. The rental price can vary depending on whether the neighborhood is close to tourist attractions or is purely residential, so it's advisable to check neighborhood-specific rates within Orlando.

Once you've set the rental price, you can post ads on sites like Zillow and Apartments.com. It's beneficial to clearly showcase the remodeled areas with photos. If you've updated the kitchen or bathroom, those images often lead to inquiries. Taking photos during daylight when natural light is available, along with accurate square footage and move-in dates, can help reduce unnecessary inquiries.

When inquiries come in, here are the things to check:

• Credit score - Verify if they have paid rent on time.
• Income verification - Typically, they should earn at least three times the rent.
• Previous rental history - Confirm directly with the previous landlord.

Skipping these three steps and jumping straight to the lease can lead to rental payment issues later. Even if it takes a little time, it's best not to skip this stage.

Once a tenant is chosen, it's advisable to document the entire condition of the house, including the remodeled areas, with photos and videos before handing over the keys. Pay special attention to the new kitchen and bathroom, and have the tenant sign a checklist after walking through the property together; this will help in determining responsibility for any damages later.

The lease agreement should include the rental price, payment dates, security deposit, lease term, and maintenance responsibilities without omission. It's also wise to clearly outline the liability for damages to the remodeled areas. When receiving repair requests, it's helpful to specify how many days you will take to address them and how much notice you need to give before visiting the property to reduce potential conflicts later.

Florida does not have a cap on security deposits. It's common to set it between one to two months' rent. If there are no deductions, the return must be communicated in writing within 15 days; if there are deductions, it should be communicated within 30 days.

If you need to evict a tenant for unpaid rent, a three-day notice is the first step. For lease violations, a seven-day notice to cure is required first. For month-to-month tenants, you must provide 30 days' notice.

If you decide to rent, you should also check insurance. Homeowner's insurance for primary residences often changes coverage once a tenant moves in. Switching to landlord insurance and confirming that it covers the remodeled kitchen and bathroom fixtures can provide peace of mind in case of accidents later.

If you are renting out for the first time in Orlando, you can follow these steps one by one. To recover the costs incurred from remodeling through rent, it's essential to invest time in management and screening to minimize losses. The first few months may feel cumbersome, but if you stick to the process and develop a habit of keeping good records, it will be much easier to find the next tenant. After the first tenant's lease ends, applying the same criteria for the next tenant will make management progressively easier. This article summarizes general information, and actual contract terms may vary by situation. Please consult a lawyer or real estate professional before signing a contract.