Orlando’s rental market is full of opportunity for residential property owners looking to boost ROI on their rental property investments. Even as home sales have cooled, strong rental demand means you can increase your rental income in Orlando with the right strategies. In this data-driven guide, we leverage recent 2024–2025 market trends and Ackley Florida Property Management’s 40+ years of local expertise to outline actionable tips – from smart rent pricing and preventive maintenance to tenant retention and strategic upgrades. A clear, professional approach can help you maximize returns on your Orlando rental property in 2025 and beyond.
Orlando Rental Market Trends in 2024–2025
High demand meets new supply: Orlando’s housing sales market has slowed (home sale inventory jumped ~40% in late 2024, and prices flattened), but the rental market remains robust. After the explosive rent hikes of 2021–2022, rents have leveled off to a more sustainable range. As of early 2025, the average rent in Orlando is around $1,900–$2,000 per month, roughly flat year-over-year. In fact, rents skyrocketed ~27% in 2022 and another 3% in 2023 before dipping about 4% in 2024 as a wave of new apartments came online. This slight cooling is due to record new construction – over 13,000 new multifamily units were completed in 2023, the largest one-year expansion in Orlando’s history. All this new supply nudged the vacancy rate up modestly into the high single digits (from an ultra-tight ~5% in 2019), but occupancy still remains around 93–95% – a clear sign that demand has kept up with growth.
A competitive rental landscape: Despite more apartments to choose from, Orlando renters are still facing stiff competition for quality units. A national report ranked Orlando as the 13th most competitive rental market in the U.S. in 2024, with roughly 10 prospective renters for every available unit. Many listings receive multiple applications and get filled quickly. In fact, Orlando rentals typically spend only ~29 days on market, faster than the 35-day national average. Moreover, an impressive 66% of Orlando renters renewed their leases in 2024 instead of moving – one of the highest renewal rates in the country. This high tenant retention kept overall occupancy high (about 94–95%) even as new units opened. The takeaway: Orlando’s rental demand is solid and resilient, which is great news for landlords. With Central Florida’s population still growing (around 1,200 new residents moving into Orlando each week on average), industry forecasts predict the rental market will stay strong and even see rents tick up 2–3% by late 2025 as the new supply gets absorbed.
Top 30 most competitive rental markets in 2024 (RentCafe report). Orlando ranks #13 with about 10 renters competing per vacant unit and a lease renewal rate of ~66.6%, reflecting high demand and low turnover in the market. Even with thousands of new apartments built, most Orlando renters chose to stay put, keeping occupancy rates in the mid-90s.
Implications for owners: In this environment, rental property owners have a prime opportunity to maximize income. Steady rents near record highs and a large tenant pool mean well-managed rentals can generate excellent cash flow. The key is to capitalize on the demand by optimizing your property’s performance. Below, we outline proven strategies – from pricing to maintenance – to help you boost your rental ROI in 2025. Implementing these tips can make the difference between a good return and a great one.
Price Your Orlando Rental Competitively with Data
Set the right rent price – it’s the quickest way to maximize income and reduce vacancy. If you price too high above market, the property could sit empty; price too low and you leave money on the table. In a balanced market, overpricing can lead to longer vacancies, while underpricing shrinks your profit. The goal is a data-driven rent that attracts tenants quickly and maximizes rent revenue. Research similar rentals in your neighborhood (size, type, amenities) and track current Orlando rent trends. For example, the average Orlando apartment rents for about $1,840–$1,900 per month, but actual rates vary widely by location and property features – a downtown condo differs from a suburban single-family home. Look at recent listings on sites like Zillow, RentCafe, or Realtor.com to gauge what comparable properties are commanding.
Use local market data: Orlando’s rental market can shift year to year, so base your pricing on recent data, not just last year’s rate. As noted, rents are roughly steady compared to a year ago, so today’s market will likely bear a similar rent if your property is in good condition. You can also factor in unique advantages (a new renovation or a great school district might justify the high end of the range) or disadvantages (outdated appliances might mean you price slightly under the competition). Many professional landlords even use software tools or consultants to perform rent analysis. A seasoned Orlando property management company can provide a comparative market analysis to pinpoint the optimal rent. (In fact, professional property managers like Ackley Florida use real-time market data to price your rental optimally, ensuring you don’t unknowingly undercharge.) The right price will draw interest within days and help you avoid prolonged vacancy.
Be responsive to market feedback: Once your property is listed, monitor the response. If you get plenty of inquiries and multiple applications immediately, that’s a sign you priced on target (or even slightly low, in which case you’ll be able to choose from many qualified tenants). If interest is scarce after a couple weeks, reassess your pricing or marketing. Small adjustments – even $50 less in rent or allowing pets – can significantly widen your tenant pool in Orlando’s competitive market. The bottom line is to stay flexible and data-informed on rent pricing. By neither undershooting nor overshooting the market, you maximize income and fill vacancies faster.
Minimize Vacant Time and Turnover Costs
Every day your rental is empty is lost income. Reducing downtime between tenants is one of the fastest ways to boost your annual ROI. Remember, one month of vacancy equals roughly 8% of your yearly rent lost – not to mention you’re still paying the mortgage, property taxes, and utilities with zero incoming rent. Thus, treating vacancy like an emergency can greatly increase your rental income.
Advertise early and widely: Don’t wait until a lease ends to start looking for the next tenant. Begin marketing your property before the current tenant moves out (with proper notice, of course). List your rental on multiple platforms – Zillow, Trulia, Rent.com, Facebook Marketplace, etc. – to reach the largest audience. In Orlando’s market, quality listings can get a lot of exposure since so many people are searching. Use high-quality photos (and even a video tour) to showcase your property’s best features and set it apart. Emphasize selling points like location, recent upgrades, included amenities, and of course ensure the rent price is clearly stated and competitive. If you cast a wide net with great marketing, you’ll likely have a new tenant lined up within days of the old one departing.
Streamline turnover tasks: Aim to make the turnover period as short as possible. As soon as one tenant gives notice, schedule any necessary cleaning, repairs, or paint touch-ups for the day after move-out. Quick turnaround maintenance is critical – a fresh, move-in-ready unit can be shown and occupied sooner. Coordinate any contractors or cleaning crews in advance so there’s no lag time. In a hot rental market like Orlando, well-prepared rentals can sometimes be re-leased immediately after the previous tenant, with zero days vacant. Even if a short gap is needed, keeping it to a week or two (instead of a month or more) will dramatically improve your annual income.
Consider incentives to fill it faster: If the market is a bit slow or you’re struggling to attract applicants, a small move-in incentive can pay off. For instance, offering a half-off first month’s rent, a $100 gift card upon signing, or including a service like lawn care can entice renters to choose your property over another. Think of it as a minor upfront investment to secure a paying tenant sooner. Even waiving one month’s rent can be worth it if it avoids an entire extra month of vacancy, because an occupied home earning slightly less is far better than an empty home earning nothing. Some Orlando landlords are indeed using such perks (free first month, discounted security deposit, free parking, etc.) to stand out in the marketplace and rent their units faster. Just be sure to calculate the cost versus benefit – in most cases, the math shows that reducing vacancy time will more than make up for a one-time concession. By proactively filling your unit, you’ll keep the rent cash flow steady and boost your annual ROI.
Act fast and be accessible: When inquiries start coming in, respond immediately. In a competitive market, prospective tenants may reach out to several listings; the landlord who replies and schedules a showing first often gets the lease signed. Being responsive and flexible with showing times (including evenings or weekends) can help secure a good tenant before someone else does. Once you have applicants, screen quickly (more on that below) and move efficiently through the lease signing. The goal is to minimize any idle time. With Orlando rentals in high demand, a well-priced property should rent quickly – if it’s sitting empty for long, reevaluate your strategy. Often, improving marketing or adjusting price by a small margin can solve the issue. Keep a sense of urgency until a new lease is signed and the tenant has moved in. By aggressively minimizing vacancy days, you significantly increase the total rent you collect in a year.
Invest in Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is not just about avoiding repair headaches – it’s also a smart financial strategy to maximize your long-term ROI. Taking care of your property proactively will save you money by reducing major breakdowns and preserving the value of your asset. Studies show that planned preventive maintenance can cut overall repair costs by around 12–18% on average. The logic is simple: fix or tune up things when they’re small issues before they become big, expensive problems. For example, spending a few hundred dollars on an annual A/C servicing can prevent a $5,000 air conditioner replacement (and the weeks of lost rent during a system outage in mid-July!). In Orlando’s climate, regular HVAC check-ups, roof inspections, and pest control are especially important. A little seasonal maintenance (clearing gutters before the summer storms, checking for leaks or wood rot, servicing the water heater, etc.) can extend the life of your major systems and appliances significantly.
Avoid costly emergencies: Every landlord dreads the midnight phone call about a burst pipe or broken A/C. While not every emergency is preventable, many are. Routine inspections can catch warning signs – like a small plumbing leak, an AC unit straining, or an electrical issue – and allow you to fix them on your schedule (often at lower cost) rather than paying a premium for emergency service after a failure. Preventive maintenance thus helps you avoid sudden large expenses that eat into your rental income. It also means fewer inconveniences for your tenants, which improves tenant satisfaction (and happy tenants are more likely to renew their lease). In short, keeping your property in top shape is a win-win: you protect your investment’s value and ensure rental income stays uninterrupted.
Key maintenance tips for Orlando properties: Make a checklist of periodic tasks. For instance, service the HVAC system at least once or twice a year – Florida’s heat means AC units work hard, and a well-maintained HVAC runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Inspect for water intrusion (roof, windows, plumbing) regularly; Florida’s heavy rains can exploit any weakness, so seal and repair any leaks promptly to prevent mold or structural damage. Pest prevention is also crucial in our climate – periodic treatments for termites, ants, and roaches will save you from bigger infestations down the road. Keep up with landscaping and exterior upkeep (clean siding, trim trees away from the roof, etc.) to prevent damage and preserve curb appeal. By budgeting a bit of time and money for preventive upkeep, you’ll avoid many high-cost repairs and keep your property rentable at a premium price. Over the years, consistent maintenance will boost your ROI by lowering expenses and keeping your rental attractive to quality tenants.
Make Strategic Upgrades to Increase Value
Not all improvements are created equal – but smart, cost-effective upgrades can significantly increase your rental income and property value. The key is to focus on high-ROI improvements that tenants are willing to pay more for, or that reduce your operating costs, without overspending on a full renovation. In Orlando’s competitive market, updated rentals tend to attract more interest and can command a rent premium. Here are some value-boosting upgrades to consider:
Refresh the interiors with paint and lighting: A fresh coat of neutral paint and modern light fixtures can make a home feel new and inviting at relatively low cost. Updated lighting (like LED fixtures) also lowers energy usage. This cosmetic facelift helps attract tenants and justifies top-market rent.
Upgrade kitchen and bathroom hardware: You don’t need a full remodel – simply replacing dated cabinet hardware, faucets, or light fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms can give a more upscale look. These rooms are key to tenant appeal. New energy-efficient appliances or a sleek backsplash in the kitchen, or a contemporary vanity in the bathroom, can let you increase rent and also reduce maintenance calls (new appliances break down less).
Add convenience amenities: Renters will pay more for modern conveniences. If possible, install an in-unit washer and dryer – in Orlando’s rental market many tenants actively seek this and will gladly pay a premium for the convenience. Similarly, features like a dishwasher, built-in microwave, or a smart thermostat can set your property apart. A smart thermostat, for example, not only appeals to tech-savvy renters but also improves energy efficiency, which is a plus in Florida’s climate.
Improve curb appeal and outdoor space: First impressions matter. Invest in basic landscaping, exterior paint, or a new front door to make the property inviting at first glance. In a residential Orlando rental, also consider upgrading outdoor living space if you can – a small patio or deck, or even providing outdoor seating or a grill area, can add desirability. Many renters value outdoor space highly, especially in Florida where people enjoy year-round sunshine.
Enhance durability and efficiency: Replacing old carpet with durable flooring (like vinyl plank or tile) can not only make the unit look modern but also save money on future turnover costs, since hard flooring is easier to clean and lasts longer. Likewise, investing in energy-efficient windows or improved insulation might have upfront costs but can reduce utility bills (a selling point to eco-conscious tenants) and protect the property from moisture and heat. According to housing experts, well-maintained and updated rentals tend to attract more tenants and can rent for a premium, so these improvements often pay for themselves.
When planning upgrades, always balance cost vs benefit. It’s easy to overspend on high-end finishes that won’t yield proportionally higher rent. Focus on the upgrades that renters notice and value most. Often, mid-range improvements give the best ROI in rentals – you make the property look clean, modern, and efficient without going overboard. Also prioritize any upgrade that reduces future maintenance (for example, replacing an aging HVAC or roof might be costly now, but it prevents emergencies and increases property value). Many small improvements together can let you justify asking $100 or $200 more in monthly rent, which adds up to thousands in additional income over a lease term. Plus, a nicely upgraded property tends to attract more responsible tenants who appreciate the home’s condition – they’re more likely to treat it well and stay longer. By investing a bit now in your property’s quality and appeal, you set yourself up to earn higher rent and lower your vacancy/repair costs for years to come.
Screen Tenants Diligently to Protect Income
Choosing the right tenants is critical to maximizing your rental income. A tenant who consistently pays late, causes property damage, or breaks the lease will cost you far more than they pay in rent. On the other hand, a responsible long-term tenant is a landlord’s asset – they pay on time, care for the home, and save you the costs of frequent turnover. That’s why it’s worth taking the extra time and effort to rigorously screen applicants before handing over the keys.
Conduct thorough background checks: Always perform a full screening on every adult applicant. This includes credit history, criminal background, employment and income verification, and calling past landlord references. Verify that the applicant’s income is sufficient (a common standard is income ≈ 3x the rent) and stable. Check their credit for any serious delinquencies or patterns of non-payment. Prior evictions or lawsuits are red flags – if someone has been evicted before, there’s a higher chance it could happen again. Also, contact at least one prior landlord to ask if the tenant paid on time and left the property in good condition. These steps help filter out high-risk renters who could lead to costly problems down the line.
Don’t rush the process: In the interest of avoiding vacancy, some landlords make the mistake of approving the first interested renter without proper vetting. This can backfire badly if that tenant stops paying or causes an eviction. It’s often said that “the only thing worse than no tenant is a bad tenant.” Even though every day vacant has a cost, it’s still better to wait an extra week to find a solid tenant than to put the wrong person in your property. An eviction in Florida can take months and rack up legal fees – a nightmare scenario for your ROI. In fact, a formal eviction can easily cost an owner $2,500–$3,500 in court costs, legal fees, lost rent, and turnover expenses, not to mention damage to the property or unpaid utilities. Even a “soft” eviction (negotiating an early move-out) means you lost rent and have to re-list the property quickly. By screening well upfront, you drastically reduce these risks.
Prioritize reliability and responsibility: When reviewing applications, look for indicators of a trustworthy, long-term tenant. Steady employment, a good credit score, and positive landlord references are all good signs. On the flip side, be cautious of applicants who pressure you to skip background checks or who have unverifiable income. It may feel uncomfortable to turn someone down, but remember that your rental property is a business asset – you need to make decisions with your ROI in mind. Many experienced landlords use established screening services or entrust this task to property managers to ensure nothing is missed. By placing high-quality tenants, you’ll get more on-time payments, fewer repair issues, and avoid costly evictions, all of which directly improve your bottom line. And once you do have a great tenant in place, do your best to keep them (see next tip) – because a reliable tenant who stays for years is one of the biggest boosts to your rental income.
Boost Tenant Retention and Lease Renewals
Keeping good tenants for longer is one of the smartest ways to maximize ROI on a rental property. When a tenant renews their lease, you avoid all the costs of turnover – advertising, cleaning, repainting, lock changes, possibly a leasing agent fee – not to mention the 0 income during any vacancy period. Industry estimates suggest the average turnover (when a tenant moves out) costs landlords around $2,500 in various expenses. That’s $2,500 eaten out of your profits each time you have to find a new tenant. If you can instead get a renter to stay another year, you completely eliminate those turnover costs and keep the rent coming in uninterrupted.
It’s clear that lease renewals are gold for rental ROI. By renewing a 12-month lease, you ensure 12 more months of occupancy with no gap. Do that repeatedly, and your cash flow becomes much more stable and higher over time. Orlando’s market itself shows how valuable this can be – roughly two-thirds of renters chose to renew in 2024, a reflection that many were satisfied enough to stay and likely wanted to avoid the hassle and expense of moving. As a landlord, you should make it easy for your tenants to say “yes” to another lease term.
How to increase renewals? Focus on tenant satisfaction. Happy tenants who feel taken care of are far more likely to renew. This starts with responsive, respectful management throughout the lease. Promptly address maintenance requests and repairs – when the A/C needs fixing in July, act fast. A well-maintained home gives tenants less reason to look elsewhere. Be professional and kind in your communications; treat tenants as valued customers. If a problem arises (e.g. a late rent payment once), handle it calmly and fairly to maintain goodwill. Building a positive landlord-tenant relationship can strongly influence whether they decide to stay. It also doesn’t hurt to show appreciation for good tenants: a simple thank-you note or holiday card, for instance, can make tenants feel valued and more inclined to renew.
Offer renewal incentives: When lease renewal time approaches, consider offering a small incentive to tip the scales in favor of staying. Often the best incentive is a minimal rent increase (or no increase at all) for a renewing tenant. If they’ve been paying $1,800 and you plan to raise market rent to $1,850, you might offer to renew them at $1,820 – many tenants will gladly sign again to save money compared to moving elsewhere, and you still get a slight increase. Another approach is to promise a minor upgrade if they renew: for example, offer to replace an aging appliance, repaint a room, or install a ceiling fan as a “thank you” for signing another year. These gestures typically cost far less than the $2,500 you’d spend turning over the unit for a new tenant. Make sure to send your renewal offer well in advance of lease expiration (60–90 days out) and highlight any incentive: “Renew for 12 months and we’ll keep your rent the same” or “sign again and we’ll upgrade the washer/dryer for you.” By sweetening the deal, you make the choice to stay an easy one for the tenant.
Flexible lease terms can also help: If a tenant is unsure about committing to another full year, you might offer a shorter renewal term (e.g. 6 months) or a month-to-month extension at a slightly higher rate. This flexibility can sometimes retain a tenant who otherwise would leave due to life uncertainty. It’s better to keep them a bit longer (even if month-to-month) than to lose them outright. However, be mindful of local rental seasonality – if a tenant’s lease ends in a slow season, a short extension to spring could be beneficial to both of you.
In summary, treat your good tenants like gold. Maintaining a positive experience for renters will naturally lead to higher lease renewal rates, which directly boosts your ROI. The longer you keep a quality tenant, the more profit you earn. Many of Ackley’s Orlando property owners enjoy multi-year tenancies from reliable renters thanks to attentive management – proof that prioritizing tenant satisfaction pays off in the form of steady rental income. Do the same, and you’ll spend far less time (and money) chasing new tenants and more time collecting consistent rent from happy long-term residents.
Partner with Orlando Property Management Experts
Implementing the above strategies will put you on the path to maximize your Orlando rental income and ROI. However, being a DIY landlord can be time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming – especially in a dynamic market like Orlando. This is where partnering with an experienced Orlando property management company can truly pay off. A professional property manager handles the heavy lifting for you, applying industry expertise to every aspect of your rental so you get the highest return with the least hassle.
Ackley Florida Property Management has been serving Central Florida landlords for over 40 years, giving us an unmatched perspective on what works in this market. We’ve seen Orlando evolve from a small rental market into the competitive arena it is today, and we’ve honed strategies for success at every step. Our team can maximize your ROI through a comprehensive, data-driven approach:
Optimal Rent Pricing: We perform in-depth market analysis to set the perfect rent rate for your property – competitive yet profitable. By continuously monitoring Orlando rental trends, we ensure you’re not undercharging or missing out on income. Getting the price right means you attract tenants quickly and earn top dollar.
Effective Marketing & Low Vacancies: Ackley leverages professional photography, videography, and wide online advertising to fill vacancies faster. We list on dozens of platforms and respond to inquiries 7 days a week to capture every potential renter. The result is drastically shorter vacancy periods – often renting out properties within days instead of weeks. Fewer vacant days directly translate to more rental income for you.
Cost-Effective Maintenance: With our network of vetted contractors and 24/7 maintenance coordination, your property stays in excellent shape at reasonable cost. We schedule preventive maintenance and handle repairs promptly, preserving your property’s value. Well-maintained homes rent for more and keep tenants happier – boosting your income and reducing costly emergency fixes.
Thorough Tenant Screening: We take pride in placing high-quality tenants. Every applicant is rigorously screened – credit, criminal background, employment/income verification, and rental history. Only reliable, responsible renters are approved. This minimizes the risk of late payments or evictions, protecting your cash flow and saving you thousands in potential losses.
Tenant Relations & Retention: Ackley’s attentive management keeps your tenants satisfied. We’re responsive to tenant needs and treat them professionally, which leads to higher renewal rates and longer tenancies. Many of our clients enjoy multi-year tenants, meaning stable income and no turnover costs year after year. We handle all tenant communication, lease renewals, and any issues that arise – so you retain good renters and maximize ROI.
In short, we act as your partner to execute all the income-boosting strategies discussed in this article – and then some – seamlessly and expertly. Our full-service approach means you can relax and reap the rewards while we optimize every facet of your rental investment.
Ready to maximize your rental income in Orlando? Now is the perfect time to optimize your property for peak performance in 2025’s market. Whether you own a single home or a portfolio of units, Ackley Florida Property Management is here to help you boost ROI, reduce stress, and achieve greater success with your rental. With over four decades of local experience behind us, we have the knowledge and tools to elevate your investment returns.
Contact Ackley Florida Property Management today for a free rental evaluation or management consultation. Let our experts assess your property’s income potential and show you how we can help boost your ROI on your Orlando rental property. We’ll provide personalized recommendations to increase rent, cut costs, and improve tenant satisfaction. Don’t leave money on the table – partner with Orlando’s property management leaders and watch your rental income grow. Get in touch with us now to start making your Orlando property a higher-performing investment!
