Osceola County to consider tenant bill of rights, increased landlord requirements

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County landlords and home sellers could soon be required to give more information about their homes and neighborhoods.

Next week, county commissioners will consider a new tenant bill of rights.

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Part of the tenant bill of rights requires “a seller or landlord to disclose in writing knowledge of prior flooding on a residential property that is either for sale or for rent.”

If a landlord doesn’t disclose prior flooding issues, they could be fined up to $5,000.

Read: Osceola County residents flooded by Ian fear more damage from Nicole

The flood requirement comes after county residents had to be evacuated from their homes due to rising floodwaters following Hurricane Ian.

“It’s been devastating,” said resident Molly Andrews.

Andrews said the flood disclosure requirement is a relief.

Read: Hurricane Ian floods homes, businesses and streets in Osceola County

Others said they don’t see it that way, and say finding that information should be the renter’s responsibility.

The ordinance also includes a section that makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against a tenant based on income.

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Flooding at Good Samaritan Village after Hurricane Ian

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