West Palm Beach 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.; Rental license & inspection: Every rental unit in West Palm Beach, long-term or short-term, needs a City rental business tax license, which the City says helps make sure rentals meet its minimum housing standards. The owner must also pass a zoning review that includes a scheduled Code Compliance inspection for every rental, plus a fire inspection when three or more units are under one roof. Inspectors look for sanitary and safe interiors, working appliances, electrical, plumbing and windows, window screens, extermination of insects or rodents, and safe exteriors.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: West Palm Beach Code Enforcement enforces the City's minimum property standards, including substandard housing conditions. Contact the office at (561) 822-1465 (401 Clematis St., 1st floor, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or call the City Hotline at (561) 822-2222. Because of a 2021 state law, a code inspector cannot start enforcement on an anonymous complaint, so you must give your name and address (which become public records), unless the problem is an imminent threat to health or safety.