It's common to see people debating whether to sell or rent out their home when relocating to another city. Recently, the market shows that Jacksonville has a steady demand for rentals, leading more people to choose to rent rather than sell quickly.

You need to determine the rental price first. According to Zumper data, as of July 2026, the average rent in Jacksonville is $1,575. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,100, while a two-bedroom goes for about $1,400. This is 19% lower than the national average. In some cases I've seen, properties were listed nearly $200 above market value and remained vacant for months. Starting at market value is ultimately faster.

Once you've set the rent, you can list your property on sites like Zillow and Apartments.com. If you're living in another area due to your job change, it may be difficult to show the house in person, but you can have a management company show it on your behalf. It's essential to provide accurate photos and details.

When selecting a tenant, check their credit score, income verification, and previous rental history. Many landlords look for income to be about three times the rent. If you're choosing a tenant remotely while living in another area, it's even more important to thoroughly check credit and rental history, as you have fewer opportunities to meet them in person.

Once a tenant is chosen, it's especially important to document the condition of the house with photos and videos before handing over the keys. Since you may not be able to check in person, walking through the property with the tenant to record the condition of walls, floors, and appliances, and getting their signature on a checklist can make resolving disputes easier later on.

The lease should include all details such as rent amount, payment due date, security deposit, lease term, and maintenance responsibilities. Especially if you're managing from another location, it's good to specify who to contact for repair requests and how urgent repairs can be handled by the tenant without prior approval. Including a requirement for Renters Insurance can also help clarify responsibilities in case of fire or theft.

In Florida, there is no cap on security deposits. 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 the tenant in writing within 30 days. If you miss this deadline, you may have to return the entire deposit.

If a tenant falls behind on rent, 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 need to evict a month-to-month tenant, you must give 30 days' notice. If you're managing the property remotely, consider hiring a management company to handle these processes.

If you've decided to rent, you should also review your insurance. Homeowner's insurance for primary residences and Landlord Insurance for rentals have different coverage. If you're managing the property remotely, it's crucial to ensure your insurance coverage is comprehensive, as you may not be able to check on the property in person after an incident. If you use a management company, it's wise to specify in the contract what they will handle.

If you're renting out a property in Jacksonville for the first time, you should follow the steps of checking market rates, screening tenants, and drafting the lease in order. The more you document each step, especially when managing remotely, the more helpful it will be later, and having a single point of communication with your management company can reduce confusion. This article summarizes general information, and actual contracts or tenant issues may vary by situation. Please consult a lawyer or real estate professional before signing any agreements.