Gainesville Landlord-Tenant Rules

State preemption of local tenant rules: Florida reserves the regulation of residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship to the state. Its 2023 law supersedes local rules on matters covered by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, including tenant screening, security deposits, rental fees, lease terms, disclosures and notice requirements. Cities also may not adopt any measure that has the effect of imposing controls on rents. For nearly every landlord-tenant question, state law (see the Florida page) applies.; Fair housing (local protected classes, including source of income): Gainesville's housing discrimination law makes it illegal to deny housing based on sexual orientation, race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, lawful source of income, veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. Landlords may not refuse to rent, pursue eviction, set different terms, misstate availability, advertise in a discriminatory way, harass or steer tenants, require disclosure of citizenship status, refuse reasonable accommodations or modifications for disability, or retaliate. Complaints go to the City's Equal Opportunity Office.; Rental registration & inspection (being repealed): In 2020 Gainesville adopted a Rental Housing Ordinance requiring annual permits, inspections, and minimum energy efficiency, life safety and property maintenance standards for all rental units. The City now says that ordinance is being repealed and there are no specific rental regulations; rentals must meet the City's other ordinances.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Gainesville's Code Enforcement Division (Sustainable Development) enforces City codes such as open or unsecured buildings, over-occupancy, junk and debris, and building without a permit. Complaints cannot be anonymous: under state law you must give your full name and address. Case status can be searched in the City's PermitGNV system.