LICENSING

Properties which are intended to participate in a short-term let (rental) program must be properly licensed with the Department of Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, a Florida State Agency. The annual fee is $140 - $150 for single family residences. In addition, the State of Florida will inspect each rental home before issuing the license. 

The inspection will require that each home have the following: 
              1.  A “2A40BC”  fire extinguisher (approximately cost  from $45.00). 
              2.  Additional smoke alarm for the hearing impaired. 
              3.  All exterior doors, including the glass sliding doors, will need a double locking system. 
              4.  A rate card must be on file and maintained in the management company office. 
              5.  All homes must have smoke alarms in all the sleeping areas, i.e. bedrooms and living areas, and they must be inter connected. If already built, we will inspect your home to make sure you are in compliance. If your home is to be built, the developer will usually install at no charge, or for no more than $350. We always ensure that the home complies with the law. 

TAXES

In addition to the property taxes that every homeowner has to pay (similar to the old U.K. system of rates), a tax based on the gross rents received must be collected for any rentals of 180 days or less. This tax is made up of : 
1.  A 4-5% Tourist Development Tax 
2.  A 6-7% State of Florida Sales Tax 
Total: 12% of gross rentals. Normally these taxes are charged on top of the rents and paid by the tenants - much the same as would take place with a hotel or motel. We collect these taxes and submit them to the appropriate agencies on a monthly basis in compliance with the law. We also have all the appropriate forms on hand and will ensure that you are properly registered. 

U.S Holidays collects and pays all Sales Resort Tax on the rental income it generates for your property. It is the responsibility of the owner to declare the rental income achieved on Owner Bookings and to pay the relevant sales tourist tax, unless instructing us as the management company to pay the amount due to the relevant county tax office. 

INSURANCE

All owners of rental properties must have a current homeowners’ insurance policy in effect and a copy of the policy is to be kept on file in our offices. It is recommended that one million dollars of liability coverage be purchased along with the standard homeowners’ policy. The costs depend on the size of the home, location and type of construction. 

ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS

Each property owner will receive an accounting of all revenues received and all expenditures relating to their rental property on a monthly basis in accordance with the Property Management Agreement Expenditures (service charges, utilities, management fees and any miscellaneous charges) will be credited to their bank account as per prior arrangement at this time. If for any reason there were moneys due to us, these would be due at this time. These monthly statements obviously become an important record for your year-end tax purposes; however, we will supply a year-end accounting statement recapping all activity for the current year. 

SERVICES

Invescomm provide a complete line of services to maintain and enhance your property's rental value. Fully licensed professionals perform these services. All service functions are checked before billing approval. Following is a list of the property maintenance services we provide and an explanation of each. 

              1. Lawn Service - The complete maintenance of the entire lawn area including the mowing of the grass, trimming, watering and fertilization. 

Your lawn will be monitored so that if any problems, such as excessive weeds, cinch bugs, etc. become evident treatment can be initiated immediately thus avoiding more costly damage later. Lawn service is performed weekly during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season, but no less than twice per month. This service is billed on 12 equal monthly payments. 

              2.  Pool Service - The complete cleaning of the pool, pool traps, pump traps and pump filters. In addition, the water is chlorinated and pH balanced. The service includes all chemicals. It is performed weekly, 52 weeks a year and billed on a monthly basis. 

             3.  Pest Control - The chemical treatment of the interior and exterior of the home for the elimination of all types of insects. This is a normal and recommended service for all Florida homes. Homes are treated every month. The service is billed based on 12 equal monthly payments. 

             4.  House Cleaner Service -The complete cleaning of the home linens, towels, bedcovers and dishes following the checkout of a renter. An inventory is performed at this time checking for damages and if necessary, the renters damage deposit is charged. This procedure is essential to preserving the home and furnishings and the financial protection of the management company as well as the homeowner. House cleaner service is available on a more frequent basis if the renters desires it and they would be billed directly unless through prior arrangement. House cleaner service is billed on each monthly statement and of course only when utilized. 

             5.  Maintenance – Scuff marks on the wall, small spots in the carpet, minor damage to dishes, etc. are considered “normal wear and tear”. Most often, these types of things can be corrected and there is no charge to the renter or the homeowner. However, occasionally there is a need for major maintenance. 

BILL PAYER SERVICE

The home owner will in most cases open an account in a local bank for such purposes as direct payment of their mortgage and transfer of funds between U.S Holidays of Central Florida Inc. and the home owner. Depending on the circumstances, the homeowner may wish to arrange for direct payment of their utility services each month. However, be aware that some utility companies do impose additional deposit requirement if a history of late payments is established. As part of our management services program, we pay the utility bills for your property on a monthly basis. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Each month an accounting statement is sent to you showing deposits and withdrawals, i.e. income and expense. This is used at year-end to provide you and your accountant with an accurate record of your operating expense.  This is a client escrow and, by Florida Law, has to be maintained in a credit balance. We cannot use the funds in this account for anything other than your expenses. 

RESERVATIONS

A reservation update is sent to you at the end of each month. This will show all current and future reservations, enabling you to cross check with your income statement, guest name, reservation number, departure, cleaning fee etc.