Florida Housing Bill Aims to Protect Vulnerable Tenants from Mid-Lease Rent Increases

A new bill progressing through the Florida Legislature seeks to safeguard vulnerable tenants by preventing landlords who receive government incentives for affordable housing from raising rent mid-lease. This legislation acknowledges the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the Sunshine State, where many residents struggle to make ends meet.

Why This Legislation Matters

Florida, like many parts of the U.S., is facing a severe housing affordability crisis. Rising home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and a lack of housing inventory have all contributed to this dilemma. Key statistics highlight the urgency:

• Nearly 900,000 low-income renters in Florida are spending over 40% of their income on rent.
• Monthly rent payments, although generally cheaper than buying a home, remain unaffordable for countless residents.

In South Florida, recent data shows alarming rent increases:

• Miami: Rents rose 2.6% year-over-year.
• Port St. Lucie: Rent surged 5.7%.

Image: A "for rent" sign in front of a home in Miami on December 12, 2023. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Key Details of House Bill 365

Sponsored by Democratic Representative Debra Tendrich, House Bill 365 aims to amend Florida Statutes concerning affordable rental units. Here are the critical components:

Provisions of House Bill 365:

• Mid-Lease Rent Increase Ban: Landlords cannot raise rent during the rental agreement term.
• Exemptions: Rent increases are permitted upon lease renewal and for compliance with federal regulations.
• Scope: The law targets low-income households and applies to rental agreements of 13 months or less starting July 1, 2026.

Tendrich, who shared her personalized narrative of escaping domestic violence, emphasized the significance of housing stability during her committee presentation. She stated, "If I was given an unexpected rent increase, it would have flipped my world upside down and made my situation even harder."

Legislative Progress

Since its introduction in early January, the bill has successfully passed through the Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee and the Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee. It is currently under consideration by the Commerce Committee.

Fellow Democrat Mack Bernard has also introduced a companion bill, SB 382, which is awaiting discussion in the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee.

Community Reactions

Representative Tendrich expressed her concerns about the pressure many tenants face on social media, stating, "Many tenants, particularly those in affordable housing units, are pressured into signing leases with unpredictable costs because the alternative is even worse—homelessness. This bill is a crucial step in ensuring fairness and contract stability."

Next Steps

If House Bill 365 gains approval and is signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, it will primarily benefit low-income tenants by offering protection against mid-term rent hikes.

Additional Considerations:

• Target Audience: The relief focuses on low-income families, not all renters in Florida.

As the timeline progresses, the efficacy and influence of this legislation will be closely monitored, given the increasing urgency of housing affordability issues across the state.

The journey to achieving fairer housing practices continues, with House Bill 365 representing a significant step forward for vulnerable renters in Florida.