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Miami is one of the fastest growing rental and real estate markets in the country. Learn more about investing in and managing a rental property in Miami, Florida.

The Local Investors’ Guide to Miami Real Estate

Smart people have long seen the enchanting possibilities of Miami — that’s even how it got its beloved moniker of Magic City. The tropical climate, vibrant neighborhoods and culture has made it one of the fastest growing rental and real estate markets in the country. 

If you own a single-family home or condo in Miami, or are considering a rental investment in the city, this guide will direct you to tips on everything from school districts to property taxes and rental management for Miami. 

Why Miami is a great place for rental investors with single-family homes

Demand for single-family rental homes is soaring across the country, with Americans of all generations wanting larger homes with outdoor spaces. While rents have grown significantly for single-family homes in all markets, CNBC reported that Miami homeowners have been the biggest winners, with single-family rents soaring over 36% (up from 2% the previous year). 

Housing affordability can be an issue when breaking into the Miami housing market as an investor. RealtyHop’s affordability index ranks Miami as the least affordable housing market in April 2023, beating out LA and New York. Affordability is calculated by the average earnings of Miami residents, estimating that potential buyers need to spend 80.46% of their monthly income on the cost of homeownership. 

It's great news for people who own a rental home in Miami or have recently inherited a house in Miami. Because even as one of the least affordable rental markets, long-term renting is a better option than trying to break into the buyer’s market for many residents. This is keeping demand buoyant for rentals and should for some time. 

Best school districts in Miami to own rental property

Single-family homes attract parents. If you’re interested in investing in Miami real estate, you’ll want to understand the role school districts play in how potential residents will evaluate your rental property.

Miami is home to the fourth largest school district in the country: Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The school district your home is located in can have a real impact on how potential residents value your property, impacting your pricing and return on investment. 

If you’re researching neighborhoods, check out our list of the best school districts in Miami, or check out sites like Niche and GreatSchools to do your homework on cities such as Orlando and Tampa. 

Read More: Best Miami School Districts To Own Rental Property

We’ve already established that the Miami rental market is red-hot, but how much rent is too much to ask? How do you price a Miami rental and optimize long-term rental income when the market has gone a bit mad? With realistic, real-time rent valuations. 

The simple fact is that the rental market in Miami isn’t the same market of years past. Property values have changed too much, we’re all playing a different game now. Yet, it seems this is news to the property management industry, who are still using a handful of comps to price Miami homes in this complex rental market.

Belong addresses these rapid changes by taking a modern approach to pricing homes on the rental market. In fact, Belong has ditched the property management model to offer a completely new approach to the rental market.

When helping homeowners in Miami, Belong uses technology to blend live market data with an all-important metric: real demand for each home. We determine the right price for your home that will maximize rental income and keep vacancies low, long-term. And because we extend our services to renters as part of our community, we attract the best of the best to place in your rental property. Learn more about real-time rental valuations for Miami in this article. 

Read More: The Realistic Way To Price a Miami Rental Home When The Market is Mad 

How much property tax will I pay in Florida?

Property taxes in Miami are collected by the Tax Collector's Public Service Office for Miami-Dade County. While the tax will vary per property, the average property tax rate for Florida is 0.89% (accurate as of August 2022). Compared to other states, this places Florida around the middle-range, ranked 23 out of 50 for the lowest property tax rate.

Who are the best property management companies in Miami?

The best way to ensure your investment home is well-kept and profitable is to find the best company to help you manage it. But when comparing the best property management companies across Florida, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. Things like how much they charge in management fees and how often you are going to get slogged for more (if they even tell you!). 

With Belong, there’s no comparison. Because Belong isn’t a property management company, it’s a completely unique experience that is humanizing the rental market. 

Belong does things differently in Miami, by offering owners of rental homes:

Guaranteed Rent: Receive your rent on time, every month, regardless of when it’s paid by residents. 

24/7 Concierge Support: Both homeowners and residents have access to real-time support, going beyond emergency maintenance requests.

Transparent fees: No hidden costs like setup fees or lease renewal charges.

Modern-day marketing: Virtual tours and video marketing is included in listings.

User-friendly app: Belong's app provides convenient access to documentation, cash flow insights, and financial and insurance solutions. 

Long-term residents: Belong takes a personalized approach to match the right people, so they stay longer and feel at home.

Innovative financial solutions: Homeowners can manage cash flow effectively, even splitting the cost of maintenance and placement fees.

Eviction protection: Owners are shielded from legal costs if we ever place the wrong people

Extensive vendor network: Belong connects homeowners with a vetted network of over 10,000 professionals for repairs and renovations.

Comprehensive insurance solutions: Belong offers insurance options that protect homeowners, their properties, and residents.

Market-driven insights: Belong utilizes market data and real-time interest to maximize the value of your home.

Even though Belong topped the list (you can see the rankings here) when we compared Miami’s top-ranked property managers, it became clear we were comparing apples with oranges. 

Read More: Why Florida's Top-Rated Property Managers Are More 80s Than Miami Vice

As a land of sunshine, high demand and low taxes, Florida is an attractive state to own a rental home. If you own a home in Miami, now is the time to find out if you’re eligible to join the Belong residential network. We specialize in single-family homes and condos, helping individual homeowners to achieve their financial goals in the rental market. 

Here is a snapshot of what Florida homeowners are saying about Belong…

Great personal experience with Belong. They treat you like people versus other agencies that are focused on numbers. I recommend Belong 110%” - SBF

Wonderful experience with Belong Property management. They are taking wonderful care of my tenants. The level of professionalism they have shown is impressive, I will continue working with them as long as I have properties.” - Thalina V

I contracted with Belong to do construction and paint work at Curaleaf. Their price, quality, and timing was on point. Great people to work with!” - Danielle G

Think your Florida home belongs with us? Check out one of our local homeowner pages below to see if you qualify:

To speak to someone about listing your rental home, you can also call 786-628-0600 (English) or 786-786-1073 (Español).  

Is San Diego a good choice for real estate investment? With strong demand, learn more about short-term vs long-term renting for San Diego rental properties

The Local Investors' Guide to San Diego Real Estate

If you’re keen to hold property in a city with super strong demand for rentals, San Diego is a great choice. With miles of picturesque coastline, sunny climate and a healthy economy, it’s a desirable place for residents and single-family homes can attract strong returns. While it’s not the cheapest place to buy real estate, it can be better value than many parts of California and the State’s rent control provisions are more favorable toward homeowners in San Diego than Los Angeles. 

For a long-time, real estate investors in the San Diego area have concentrated heavily on the short-term rental market. So much so, that the County has introduced new caps to make more homes available to long-term renters. 

Whether you’re now considering the long-term rental market or are considering purchasing an investment property in San Diego, this guide brings together some handy resources to help you get the most out of your home. 

Is it better to have a long-term rental or short-term vacation home in San Diego? 

There are pros and cons to leasing your home as a long-term or short-term rental property, but in San Diego, the decision is not always as simple as choosing between the two. San Diego City Council has recently approved a short-term rental ordinance, a move that caps the number of short-term rentals at 1% of the city’s total 540,00 housing units. The move is expected to reduce vacation rentals by up to 48%. 

If you’ve done the math and think that short-term vacation rental is a good option for your home, you can apply for a short-term rental license (STRO). This will enter your home into the lottery to operate as a short-term rental within the local cap. 

Before you apply (or if you aren’t selected), it’s well worth considering renting your home long-term on a lease agreement. San Diego homeowners can benefit from a steady income for 12 months and be eligible for generous tax benefits that don’t apply to short-term rentals or homes used part-time by friends and family. You’ll also have significantly less turnover and reduce the cost of wear and tear on your property from having the same residents in place for a year or more. 

Read More: San Diego Introduces New Rules and Caps For Short-Term Rentals

How much property tax will I pay in San Diego?

The average property tax rate for California is 0.76% (accurate as of August 2022). This means San Diego falls into one of the 29 states with a property tax rate below 1%.  

The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office collects property taxes from San Diego homeowners. 

For homes that operate as a short-term rental, an additional Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies for homes whenever you have guests that stay for 30 days or less. The Transient Occupancy Tax is currently 8% of the rent collected and should be paid by your guest when paying for their stay at your home. TOT must be reported and paid to San Diego county. You can learn more about TOT and reporting here. 

How much rent should I charge in San Diego?

San Diego ranks as one of the best places to raise a family, making it a popular rental market for single-family homes. So if you own a home in “America’s Finest City”, how should you expect to price your San Diego rental property? 

News reports have been varying wildly, with some saying that rents for single-family homes are still on the rise in San Diego and others saying they have begun to cool. In order to optimize your rental income, do you keep rents high or create fairer pricing to attract reliable residents that want to stay long-term? 

The best way to stay in step with the market is to price your San Diego home right from the start. When helping owners price homes in San Diego’s rental market, Belong uses technology to blend live market data with an all-important metric: real-time demand for each home. We determine the right price for your home that will maximize rental income and keep vacancies low, long-term. To find the sweet spot for pricing your San Diego rental home, check out this article. 

Read More: Forget the News: This is How You Should Price San Diego Rental Homes

Who are the best property management companies in San Diego?

The best way to ensure your new investment home is well-kept and profitable is to find the best company to help you manage it. But when comparing the best property management companies across California, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. Things like how much they charge for management fees and how often you’re going to get slogged for more (if they even tell you!). 

Belong's smarter, future-ready services include:

Guaranteed Rent: Receive your rent on time, every month, regardless of when it’s paid by residents



24/7 Concierge Support: Both homeowners and residents have access to real-time support, going beyond emergency maintenance requests.



Transparent fees: No hidden costs like setup fees or lease renewal charges



Modern-day marketing: Virtual tours and video marketing is included in listings



User-friendly app: Belong's app provides convenient access to documentation, cash flow insights, and financial and insurance solutions. 



Long-term residents: Belong takes a personalized approach to match the right people, so they stay longer and feel at home



Innovative financial solutions: Homeowners can manage cash flow effectively, even splitting the cost of maintenance and placement fees.



Eviction protection: Owners are shielded from legal costs if we ever place the wrong people



Extensive vendor network: Belong connects homeowners with a vetted network of over 10,000 professionals for repairs and renovations.



Comprehensive insurance solutions: Belong offers insurance options that protect homeowners, their properties, and residents.



Market-driven insights: Belong utilizes market data and real-time interest to maximize the value of your home.



Even though Belong topped the list when we compared Calirfornia’s top-ranked property managers, it became clear we were comparing apples with oranges. Find out if your San Diego property is eligible for Belong here. 

Read More: We Outrank The Best Property Management Companies in California

From the beautiful Balboa Park and the vibrant downtown to the world renowned Zoo and the amazing restaurants, San Diego is a great place for families to call home. Belong will go out of its way to find great long-term residents that will love your San Diego home as much as you do. But don’t take our word for it, here is what homeowners are saying about us…

Overall my experience with Belong has been exceptional. We had a second house which was older and had a lot of deferred maintenance. We decided to turn it into a rental. We hired Belong and they completely remodeled the house, put it on the market and rented it within two days at asking price. They have interfaced with the renter leaving me free from much of the hassle of renting out a house.” - Kelly F

The Belong team is top notch…They have consistently pursued the best options for both the Landlord and Tenants, and are a model of what professional management companies should be. I highly recommend Belong!” - Frank L

Think your San Diego home belongs with us? Find out if you qualify here.

Rental properties face seven major repairs, from plumbing leaks to HVAC failures, that can cost landlords thousands if ignored. Learn the causes, seasonal risks, and prevention strategies, plus how Belong’s 24/7 network of vetted contractors keeps your rentals safe, compliant, and profitable.

7 Repairs Rental Properties Face & How to Prevent Them

If you own a rental property, repairs aren’t a matter of if but when. Even with the most responsible tenants, wear and tear builds up. Small issues can spiral into costly emergencies if left unchecked, and those emergencies disrupt cash flow, frustrate residents, and even put you at legal risk.

That’s why smart landlords go beyond fixing what’s broken. They understand why repairs happen, what the consequences are if ignored, and how to prevent them in the first place.

Here are the seven most common repairs in rental homes, explained with causes, consequences, seasonal risks, and prevention strategies. (Want to know what they typically cost? We cover that in our related guide: Rental Property Maintenance Costs in 2025).

1. Why do plumbing problems keep showing up?

Plumbing is the repair you’ll see most often, and it’s also the one that can spiral the fastest. A simple running toilet might just look like a nuisance, but it wastes hundreds of gallons of water a day and strains your utility budget. Left unattended, a small drip under a sink can turn into rotted cabinetry and mold that spreads. Staying ahead with inspections and tenant education is the difference between a $100 fix and a $5,000 nightmare.

Everyday wear: pipes, seals, and washers deteriorate over time.


Misuse: tenants flushing wipes, grease, or other non-flushables.


Old infrastructure: galvanized pipes corrode, leading to leaks.


Cold weather: water expands as it freezes, bursting uninsulated pipes.


Mold growth and structural damage from hidden leaks.


High water bills from constantly running toilets.


Costly remediation ($5,000+ for mold is not uncommon).


Spring thaw reveals leaks that developed over the winter.


Insulate exposed pipes before cold snaps.


Replace outdated piping with PEX or copper.


Schedule annual plumbing inspections and install $50 leak sensors under sinks.

Water heaters are “out of sight, out of mind” until they fail, usually on the coldest night of the year. Most breakdowns are preventable with simple upkeep, but too many landlords neglect flushing or rod replacements. Once a heater leaks, you’re not just buying a new unit, you’re repairing water damage too. Treat this system as a ticking clock, once it’s over 7 years old, assume a replacement is coming.

Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and stresses the tank.


Water heaters have a small metal rod inside that’s designed to rust before the tank does. If you don’t replace it on time, the whole tank will eventually start to rust and fail.


Thermostats and heating elements wear out with use.


For gas heaters, pilot light assemblies and gas valves often fail.


No hot water can mean a potential breach of habitability laws, allowing tenants to withhold rent.


Emergency replacements are more expensive and disruptive than planned upgrades.


Failures spike in winter when heaters work hardest.


Flush the tank annually to remove sediment.


Consider upgrading to tankless or hybrid models.


Monitor system age: after 7-10 years, budget for replacement.

3. Why do appliances break down in rentals?

Appliances may seem like small-ticket items, but they’re central to tenant comfort. A broken fridge means spoiled food, while a faulty oven can make daily life difficult. Preventive care, like coil cleaning or surge protection, adds years to lifespan. Choosing durable appliances upfront also saves you from repeat replacements. In rentals, reliability beats luxury every time.

Cheap or entry-level models wear out faster.


Maintenance neglect (e.g., dirty fridge coils, damaged seals).


Higher long-term costs replacing units that could have been repaired early.


Vacancies if repeated failures drive tenants away.


Summer heat stresses fridges and AC units.


Winter storms and power surges fry electronics.


Invest in durable, mid-range or better appliances.


Apply the “50% rule”: replace if repair >50% of replacement value.

4. Why is water damage the most destructive repair?

Water is a property’s most relentless enemy. Unlike an appliance you can replace, water infiltrates silently and spreads damage everywhere it goes. It doesn’t just cost money, it disrupts lives, requiring remediation teams and sometimes tenant relocation. A simple gutter clean or leak sensor can prevent thousands in losses, making prevention one of the highest-ROI moves a landlord can make.

Maximize Your Rental Income

Learn more about San Diego's new short-term rental caps and regulations, how to apply for an STRO and profitable alternatives to vacation rental in San Diego

STRO Permit Schedule Announced: San Diego Introduces New Rules and Caps For Short-Term Rentals

San Diego City Council has recently approved a short-term rental ordinance, a move that caps the number of short-term rentals at 1% of the city’s total 540,00 housing units. On September 2, 2022, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) confirmed the dates on which short-term rental regulations will take effect.

It’s estimated that there are currently 12,300 short-term rentals in San Diego, which means the new caps will see a 48% reduction in short-term rentals across the city (and a 27% decrease in Mission Beach). 

In total, around 6,500 STRO licenses will be available to homeowners under a lottery scheme. The only neighborhood exempt from this ruling is Mission Beach, which has a larger cap of 30% (or 1,1080 short-term rentals for the area). 

For any San Diego homeowners currently using their property for short-term vacation rental, now is a great time to assess alternative options in case you choose not to apply for a license or miss out in the lottery draw in 2023. 

Why is San Diego capping short-term rentals?

From the beautiful Balboa Park and the vibrant downtown to the world renowned Zoo and the amazing restaurants, San Diego is a hot tourist destination. But it’s also a great place for families to call home. When homeowners choose to put their property on the vacation rental market, it gives plenty of opportunities for holiday makers — but it puts the squeeze on the availability of single-family homes and condos for local residents. 

There is also the growing issue of ‘party houses’ that disrupt local neighborhoods. Having regulations, an application process, and permits can help with enforcement to ensure that traditional vacation rentals are available for families and holiday makers while weeding out the bad actors. 

Under the new rules, thousands of homes will come back onto the market to support renters and buyers. This provides a great opportunity for local residents, particularly in the long-term rental market where demand is often far higher than the supply.

How & when do I apply for a short-term rental license in San Diego?

If you reside in your San Diego home and wish to rent out a room as a ‘hosted rental’, you won’t need to apply for a license. There will be no caps on hosted rentals, only whole-home rentals. 

If you have your heart set on keeping your entire property as a short-term vacation rental, you will need to wait until late 2022 to submit an application for an STRO license. On October 4, 2022, short-term rental applications open. The application process for Tier 3 and 4 properties (standard, non-shared homes) will close on November 30, 2022. On December 16, 2022, the lottery will be announced and permit holders will be notified. 



It’s never too early to start considering alternative solutions to cash flow for your short-term rental. Airbnb and VRBO are strong investments, but because asset values are so high in San Diego, holding your home asset for appreciation and using a long-term rental opportunity to maintain cash flow is incredibly lucrative. 

Don’t wait until December to start lining up your future investment!

Can I rent out an Accessory Dwelling Unit as a short-term rental?

No, the San Diego Municipal Code prohibits using ADUs (such as a granny flat on your property) for short-term rental and will result in a Code violation. This also applies to alternative accommodation options such as a treehouse or teepee outdoors and sleeping quarters added in a garage without proper permits. 

The regulations state that only permitted companion units in existence before the September 2017 prohibition may be used as an STRO.

You can learn more about the new regulations and restrictions on STROs at San Diego’s Office of the City Treasurer.

What should I do if I can’t get an STRO license for my San Diego home?

Thousands of homes will go back onto the market in San Diego when these regulations come into effect in 2023. If you own a home in San Diego, there are plenty of great options to continue earning income without needing an STRO. 

There is the option to sell. However, if you have locked in a low-interest rate on your mortgage, now is a great time to hold property and benefit from the huge demand on the rental market. 

San Diego ranks as one of the best places to raise a family, making it a popular rental market for single-family homes with strong demand year-round. There are many benefits to owning a long-term rental home in San Diego, even in tourist areas like Mission Beach. 

Homeowners can benefit from a steady income for 12 months and generous tax benefits that don’t apply to short-term rentals or homes used part-time by friends and family. You’ll also have significantly less turnover and reduce the cost of wear and tear on your property from having the same residents in place for a year or more. 

While there are obvious pros and cons to a long-term or short-term rental property, locking in the right resident into a long-term rental can be a lucrative and genuinely passive investment for years to come.

Read More: 12 Signs That Owning a Long-Term Rental Is Right for You

How should I price a long-term rental in San Diego?

There is a big difference between how much you can charge per week for a short-term vs long-term rental. But your costs will also be considerably lower too, as you won’t be dealing with frequent turnover, cleaning and maintenance bills, and high management fees. 

To maximize the return on your investment when switching from a vacation rental to the long-term market, Belong can help. With a unique approach and live insights from the San Diego rental market, Belong addresses the complexities and shifts in the rental market to determine exactly what high-quality, long-term residents are looking for and what they are ready to pay, right now. 

The result is fewer vacancies, great people caring for your home, profitable rental income, and no tricks or compromises that could devalue your home as a rental investment.

If you work with Belong to look after your home, you won’t have to lift a finger. We’ll prepare your home for the market, get the best price for a long-term rental, choose a great resident, provide 24/7 in-house maintenance support and guarantee rent for the entirety of a 12-month lease (even if it’s not paid on time). 

If you own a single-family home or condo in “America’s Finest City”, find out if you’re eligible for Belong here. 

Melanie Kershaw

Mel Kershaw is a Content Lead at Belong. With an extensive background working with technology companies including Eventbrite and Yelp, she’s always looking for ways to create educational and informative articles that simplifies tech and solves problems for her audience.

Natalie McNeal

Flora Fiorillo

Harrison Kelly

Dom Difurio

Tyler Infelise

Natalie McNeal

Flora Fiorillo

Harrison Kelly

Dom Difurio

Tyler Infelise