If according to an association’s Declaration of Covenants, a Prospective Tenant is applying as  a service member, there are new laws which the community need to know so as to avoid violation. These new laws should also be placed in line with the association’s governing documents to avoid conflicting information being handed over to prospective tenants.

The new laws cover condominiums, HOAs, and any common unit development that is open to tenants in their units. If a prospective tenant has filled in their rental application before residing in the association, the application should be processed within seven days of submission according to Florida Statutes 250.01. The prospective tenant in this case should be a service member for the law to apply. A service member being defined as anyone serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty and all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces.

In this period, the prospective tenant, who in this case is a service member should in this case receive a response in writing as to whether the application has been approved or denied. If its been denied then a good reason for the same should be given in writing. Once all the terms of the application and lease have been successfully completed, the owner is allowed to lease the unit to the service member by the association. The parties involved may, however, not waive or modify the provisions of the law.