Renting in Miami: How the Lease Process Works

Renting in Miami usually follows this order: you choose a unit, agree on lease terms, submit an application with ID and income documents, wait for the landlord's screening and, in many condo buildings, the association's approval, then pay move-in costs and sign. The biggest swing in timing is whether an association has to approve you. This is general information, not legal advice.

The steps, in order

1. Set your budget and priorities. Decide your monthly budget, lease length, parking and pet needs, and the neighborhoods you want to compare.
2. Tour. See units in person or by live video, and ask the building for its rules in writing.
3. Agree on terms. The landlord or the landlord's agent confirms rent, lease length and move-in date, and it's worth asking what is required up front, because combinations of first month's rent, a security deposit and sometimes last month's rent are common.
4. Apply. The landlord, building or screening company asks for an application, identification and income documents, and often a fee.
5. Screening. Landlords typically review credit, income and rental history.
6. Association approval, if the building requires it. More below.
7. Sign and pay. Review the lease, pay what is due and arrange keys, fobs and parking.
8. Plan move-in. Many buildings require reservations for elevators and loading areas, so ask early.

Documents to have ready

• Government-issued photo ID for every adult who will live in the unit
• Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, an offer letter, tax returns or bank statements
• Employer contact information for verification
• Contact details for your current or past landlord
• Vehicle make, model and plate, if you will park a car
• Pet records, if relevant
• Proof of renter's insurance, if the building requires it
• A way to sign electronically if you are not in town

Landlords and buildings may screen on objective criteria such as income and rental history. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability, according to HUD. If you believe you were treated unfairly, HUD explains how to file a complaint.

Condo association approval

Not every building requires it, and the governing documents decide. Where it applies, the process may include an application, an interview and an approval fee. Florida Statutes 718.112 says a preset fee for approving a transfer, including a lease, may not exceed $150 per applicant, that spouses or a parent and dependent children count as one applicant, and that no fee may be charged for renewing with the same tenant, but confirm the current figure with the building.

Practical points:

• Ask for the building's application and timeline before you pay holding deposits.
• Ask whether there is a minimum lease term and whether the building limits short-term rentals.
• Expect additional move-in rules, such as deposits for elevators, key fobs or parking.
• Expect your lease to be conditioned on approval, and ask the landlord what happens to your deposit if the association declines.

Rental rules can change too. Florida Statutes 718.110 says an amendment restricting rentals applies to owners who consent and owners who buy after it takes effect, which is why a building's rules can differ from unit to unit and over time.

Deposits, advance rent and what Florida law says

Florida's residential landlord and tenant act is in Chapter 83, Part II. Under section 83.49, the landlord must hold your deposit and any advance rent in one of the ways the statute allows, which include a Florida bank account or a surety bond, and must notify you in writing within 30 days of receiving the money about where it is held and whether it earns interest.

When the lease ends, the landlord has 15 days to return the deposit if there is no claim. If the landlord intends to make a deduction, the landlord must send written notice of the claim within 30 days, and you have 15 days to object in writing. The deposit amount is set by the lease, so ask what is refundable and what isn't.

Since July 1, 2025, HB 615 lets a landlord and tenant agree, in a signed addendum, to deliver notices by email, so if your lease includes that addendum, check that the email address is one you monitor.

Surprises to avoid

• Non-refundable fees. Ask which application, holding or move-in fees are refundable if you are not approved.
• Move-in costs. Ask about elevator deposits, key fob fees, parking charges and any move-in hours.
• Lease terms. Confirm the length, renewal terms and what happens if you need to leave early.
• Rules. Ask about pets, guests, short-term rentals, noise and package handling.
• Utilities and services. Confirm what rent includes, such as internet, water or parking.
• Limited credit history. If you are new to the country or the credit system, ask early whether the landlord accepts alternatives, such as additional proof of income or a different deposit arrangement.

How long does it take?

There is no single answer. A unit without an association requirement can move quickly once your application is accepted, but you should add time when the association needs to approve you, because its schedule is set by the building's documents and practices. Ask the building for its typical turnaround and leave some room around your current lease end date.

If you are renting from out of town

Ask whether the landlord and the building accept electronic signatures and scanned documents, and whether you can complete the application before you arrive. Request a live video tour of the exact unit and a written list of move-in costs and rules. If an association must approve you, ask for the application and its timeline early, so your move date doesn't depend on a surprise. Avoid sending money until you have confirmed the details in writing and verified who is receiving the payment.

Brickell and Edgewater

Jessica has leased apartments in both Brickell and Edgewater, and according to Miami-Dade County, Brickell has Metromover service, a free people mover with a Brickell Loop. For neighborhood context, read the area guides for Brickell and Edgewater. If you are relocating, our out-of-state moving guide covers remote touring and signing.

Talk to Jessica

Jessica Sonino is a South Florida Realtor with The Bograd Team who helps renters, buyers and sellers. If you are looking to lease in Miami, contact Jessica with your budget, move date and the buildings you are considering. Availability and prices on any listing change, so confirm details before you apply.