Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Office of Tenant Services?
The goal of the of the Office of Tenant Services is to provide information and resources for landlords and tenants facing challenges. The office can also investigate complaints and enforce the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance and the Rental Notices Ordinance.
What is the Tenant Bill of Rights?
The Tenant Bill of Rights ordinance was enacted to inform tenants of their rights and to provide additional protections to residential tenants in unincorporated Orange County, including protection from discrimination and unlawful practices. Rental properties located within Orange County’s 13 municipalities are not covered by this ordinance.
What types of units does the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance apply to?
The ordinance applies to all rentals located in unincorporated Orange County. Rental units are defined as a residential housing unit that is or may be occupied by a tenant who does not own the property in exchange for consideration and by virtue of a lease agreement with the owner of the property.
What is the Rental Notices Ordinance?
Orange County’s Rental Notices Ordinance protects tenants by requiring landlords to provide a 60-day written notice for rent increases greater than five percent. The ordinance also provides protections for residents and landlords who may not have a written lease agreement in place and pay rent on a quarterly or monthly basis. Either party can terminate these arrangements by providing a 60-day written notice to the other party. The ordinance affects all areas of the county, including its 13 municipalities.
What types of units does the Rental Notices Ordinance apply to?
The Rental Notice Ordinance applies to all rental units in incorporated and unincorporated Orange County except for mobile home lot rentals in mobile home parks or the related landlord-tenant relationships.
What services does the Office of Tenant Services provide?
The Office of Tenant Services provides information, education and outreach, and referrals for tenants. The office does not provide any type of financial assistance.
How does the Office of Tenant Services enforce the Rental Notices Ordinance and the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance?
The Office of Tenant Services enforces any violations of the Rental Notice Ordinance and the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance by investigating the complaint and if a violation of either ordinance is determined to have occurred, the office will issue a non-criminal civil citation.
Under the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance, when must the landlord maintain the signed Notice of Tenant Rights?
The landlord is required to maintain the signed copy of the Notice of Tenant Rights for the duration of the lease term.
Under the Rental Notices Ordinance, when must the landlord notify its tenant of rental increase of more than 5%?
Rental increases greater than 5% require the landlord to give the tenant 60 days’ notice.
Under the Rental Notices Ordinance, when must the landlord notify its tenant of a non-renewal of a lease?
Non-renewal of a lease requires the landlord to give the tenant 60 days’ notice.
Under the Tenant Bill of Rights Ordinance, what is a lawful source of income?
A lawful source of income is defined as:
- A lawful profession, occupation, or job
- Government or private assistance, grant, loan, or housing assistance program such as Section 8
- Gift, inheritance, pension, annuity, trust income, alimony, child support
- Sale of property or an interest in property
Is my landlord required to give me 60 days’ notice for an eviction?
No, evictions are governed by State statute and the Judicial system.
How can I contact the Office of Tenant Services?
The Office of Tenant Services can be contacted by emailing the office at TenantServices@ocfl.net; by calling 407-836-RENT; or by contacting 311.