Monthly Legal Insights

For Property Managers

📋 TL;DR - Key Takeaways This Month

Source: Law Offices of Heist, Weisse & Wolk

Florida property managers and landlords face a new compliance requirement starting October 1, 2025, when Senate Bill 948 takes effect, mandating flood history disclosures for all residential lease agreements of one year or longer. The law requires landlords to provide prospective tenants with a separate disclosure form detailing any flooding damage, insurance claims, or government assistance received during the landlord's ownership of the property. Failure to properly disclose this information creates significant liability exposure - if a tenant subsequently suffers "substantial loss" (defined as damage equaling 50% or more of their personal property's market value) from flooding, they can terminate their lease within 30 days and receive refunds of all prepaid rent. Property managers should begin preparing now by reviewing their portfolio's flooding history, gathering relevant documentation, incorporating the statutory disclosure form into their leasing processes, and training staff on the new requirements to ensure compliance when the law takes effect this fall.

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AMANDA WHITE, CAE Vice President Florida Apartment Association

Amanda White is a seasoned public policy and association professional with a passion for rental housing issues. She began her career on Capitol Hill directing policy initiatives for members of Congress and later discovered her dedication to housing while serving as Public Relations and Communications Director for the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando. Before joining the Florida Apartment Association (FAA) in 2018, she worked as a Policy Advisor in the Michigan legislature, where she guided legislative initiatives, managed key committees, and oversaw the appropriations process on behalf of the Speaker of the House.

Now serving as Vice President of FAA, Amanda implements government relations strategies, leads fundraising for the Apartment Political Action Committee, directs housing research, and represents the industry in meetings with policymakers and the media. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Hillsdale College, an M.A. in Government from Johns Hopkins University, and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. Her work has earned her recognition, including the 2024 Business Housing Champion Award from the Florida Housing Coalition and the 2025 Frank Rudd Rising Star Award from the Florida Society of Association Executives. Dedicated to giving back, Amanda also serves as a Board Member for FSAE and continues to volunteer her expertise within the broader association community.

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn!

Source: Law Offices of Heist, Weisse & Wolk

EDUCATING YOUR OWNERS – The informed and educated owner makes a better customer for the property manager. Are you providing an owner's handbook? Videos for your owner so they understand the "why" of what you do? You are the professional and the owner is often clueless with their lack of knowledge causing conflicts. Let's start with a video on the benefits of preventative maintenance:

Source: Concerned client

Always change the locks immediately when executing a writ of possession—preferably with the deputy present—and keep the door locked while removing items. These situations can be dangerous if the resident suddenly returns. Sometimes they are tipped off to the lockout by neighbors. If you anticipate conflict, request the deputy remain onsite (even if it costs extra) or call local police for backup. Safety comes first.

Recently enacted SB 948 requires landlords to provide tenants with a flood disclosure. We have prepared a form that mirrors the statutory language that you can use beginning October 1, 2025.

Access the Resources + Forms Now

While age isn't a federally protected class under the Fair Housing Act, it remains a significant compliance risk that property managers often overlook in their training programs. Many states and local jurisdictions have added age protections to their housing codes, and properties receiving federal funding face additional restrictions under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The real danger lies in seemingly innocent comments from leasing staff—like suggesting a unit is "perfect for young professionals" or "ideal for retirees"—which can be interpreted as discriminatory steering, especially when they intersect with federally protected classes like familial status. For communities legitimately designed for older residents under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), staff must understand the specific documentation and advertising requirements to maintain legal protections. The key takeaway: proactive age-awareness training doesn't just prevent violations—it creates stronger, more inclusive communities where fair housing truly applies to everyone, regardless of age.

Find out how...

Washington State has enacted sweeping rent control legislation that significantly restricts landlords' ability to raise rents, collect deposits, and charge fees. Signed into law on May 7, 2025, by Governor Bob Ferguson, the measure caps annual rent increases at the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10% for most rental properties, while manufactured home lot rents face an even tighter 5% cap. This could discourage investment, limit flexibility in managing rising expenses, and ultimately shrink the supply of available rentals.

Read the bill here.