Orlando’s real estate landscape is shifting. Home sales have cooled after the frenzied market of 2021-2022, but rental demand remains robust. This is good news for property owners: even if selling is tougher in today’s climate, you can still maximize your Orlando rental property income with the right strategies. In this article, we’ll explore Orlando’s latest housing and rental trends, and share practical tips to maximize ROI on Orlando rentals – from setting the perfect rent price to reducing vacancies. We’ll also explain why now is the time to optimize your rental (instead of selling) and how a professional Orlando property management partner like Ackley Florida can help every step of the way.
Orlando Market Trends: Slower Home Sales, Strong Rental Demand
Sales are slowing down: Orlando’s housing market has transitioned to a cooler phase in 2024-2025. Inventory of homes for sale surged by over 40% year-over-year in late 2024, reaching about 11,600 listings – the highest level in nearly a decade. With around 6.5 months of supply on the market (versus under 2 months during the 2021 boom), buyers now have more choices and negotiating power. In fact, roughly 69% of recent home sales have closed below the asking price. Homes are also taking longer to sell (the median time to contract is about 34 days, up significantly from the frenzy a couple years ago). High mortgage rates and rising insurance costs have tempered buyer demand, keeping price growth modest – the typical Orlando home value (~$380k) is slightly below last year’s level (~1% down year-over-year). In short, it’s no longer an easy seller’s market. If you tried to list your property today, you might wait a while and not hit your dream price.
Rentals remain in high demand: On the flip side, Orlando’s rental market is healthy and busy. After the explosive rent hikes of 2021-2022, rents have leveled off to a sustainable range. As of early 2025, the average rent in Orlando is around $1,900 per month (all property types) – only about 1–2% different than a year ago, meaning prices are stable. This slight cooling is mainly due to a wave of new apartments coming online. Nearly 12,000 new units were added in the past year, nudging the overall vacancy rate up to roughly 8–9% (compared to an ultra-tight 5% in 2019). The good news is that demand has kept up with this supply. Renters now have a few more options, but quality rentals are still getting snapped up quickly. Orlando was ranked the 13th most competitive rental market in the U.S. last year, with about 10 prospective tenants for every available unit. Many listings get multiple applications, especially single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods that “fill quickly” even in this market. Properties for rent in the Orlando area spend only ~29 days on market on average, compared to 35 days nationally, indicating how strong local demand is. About 66% of Orlando renters renewed their leases in 2024 rather than move – a high retention rate that shows tenants are inclined to stay put (likely to avoid competition or rent hikes elsewhere). All of this reinforces confidence that Orlando’s rental market is solid. Even though rent growth has paused from its peak, rents are still about 11% higher than three years ago. And with Central Florida’s population and job base growing steadily (70k+ people moved to Orlando in the past two years), demand for rentals should remain strong and even rise. In fact, industry forecasts predict Orlando rents will tick up by roughly 2–3% by late 2025 as the market absorbs the new supply.
Why Now is the Time to Optimize Rentals (Not Sell)
Given these trends, why focus on renting instead of selling in a slow market? The answer comes down to opportunity and long-term ROI:
Selling is tougher right now: With higher inventory and cautious buyers, you might face months of your property sitting on the market and offers below your asking price. For example, as of early 2025 many listings are staying up for 2–3+ months before closing, and you’d be responsible for mortgage, taxes, and upkeep during that time with no guarantee of a quick sale. Home prices in Orlando are essentially flat year-over-year, so unless you absolutely need to liquidate, “cashing out” might not yield the windfall it would have a year or two ago. Instead of chasing a reluctant buyer, you could have a tenant paying you rent within a few weeks.
Rental income is steady and resilient: Orlando’s strong rental demand means you can generate consistent cash flow even while the sales market is lukewarm. Rather than have an empty house awaiting a buyer, that same property can be earning you income each month by being rented. Remember, one month of vacancy can cut your annual rental income by about 8% – so letting a home sit idle is costly. By renting it out, you put the asset to work immediately. With rents holding near record highs (around $1,800–$1,900 on average), many Orlando landlords are enjoying solid returns. And because so many people are choosing to rent right now (due to high interest rates and migration to Florida), you’ll find a large pool of prospective tenants. Simply put, it’s easier to find a renter than a buyer in the current climate.
Optimizing now positions you for future gains: By leasing your property now, you can cover your expenses and even turn a profit while waiting for the sales market to rebound. Some forecasts even rank Orlando among the cities poised for a rebound in home sales and prices in 2025. If that comes true, you’ll have the option to sell later under better conditions – and in the meantime, you’ve built equity and collected rent instead of potentially lowering your price in a soft market. Even if you plan to hold long-term, keeping your rental well-occupied and maximizing income will only boost your overall return on investment. Orlando’s long-term outlook is very positive, so hanging onto your property and optimizing its income now can be a smart play.
In summary, rental properties in Orlando are a bright spot. Owners are wise to ride this wave: take advantage of the strong rental demand and maximize your rental property income rather than rushing to sell in a slow market. Next, we’ll cover exactly how to do that.
Strategies to Maximize Your Orlando Rental Income and ROI
If you own a single-family home or multifamily property in the Orlando area, here are practical strategies to boost rental income, increase ROI, and reduce vacancy in your Orlando property. These tips will help you get the most out of your investment – even when the market is slow.
Set a Competitive Rent Price with Data – Pricing your rental correctly is key to maximizing income. Charge too high, and the property could sit vacant; charge too low, and you leave money on the table. In a balanced market, overpricing your property can lead to longer vacancy periods, while underpricing means losing out on income. Find the sweet spot by researching comparable rentals in your neighborhood and tracking trends. For context, Orlando’s average apartment rent is about $1,842–$1,900 per month, but actual rates vary by location and property features. Consider working with local experts or using tools (Zillow, RentCafe, etc.) to gauge what similar homes are renting for. The goal is to attract interest quickly while still maximizing your profit. A data-driven rent analysis will help you set a fair, competitive rate that draws quality tenants fast. (Tip: Professional property managers like Ackley Florida use real-time market data to price your rental optimally, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.)
Minimize Vacancy Time – Every day your rental is empty is lost income. Reducing downtime between tenants is one of the fastest ways to boost your annual ROI. A vacant unit earns $0, yet you still pay for mortgage, utilities, and upkeep. In fact, two months of vacancy can cut your yearly rental income by roughly 17%. To reduce vacancy in your Orlando rental, be proactive: start advertising well before the current lease ends, respond quickly to inquiries, and make the turn-around (repairs, cleaning) swift so new tenants can move in ASAP. Effective marketing is crucial here – list your property on multiple platforms (Zillow, Realtor.com, social media) with great photos and even video tours to reach a wide audience. Orlando has high rental demand, especially if your property is priced right, so capitalize on that by making it easy for tenants to find and apply for your unit. You can also adjust pricing or offer move-in specials (more on that next) if interest is slower than expected. The bottom line: treat vacancy like an emergency – fill the unit as efficiently as possible. (Ackley Florida Property Management excels in aggressive marketing and quick tenant placement. Our team advertises on dozens of sites, handles showings, and screens applicants rapidly to keep your vacancy time to a minimum.)
Offer Incentives to Attract Tenants – In a slower market, a small incentive can give you a competitive edge in landing a great tenant quickly. Think of it as a temporary investment to secure long-term income. Common rental incentives include offering a one-time discount (like half-off the first month’s rent), a modest move-in bonus (such as a gift card or $100 off if they sign by a certain date), or throwing in a service for free (maybe free lawn care or parking). Another approach is to offer a slightly lower rent in exchange for a longer lease (e.g. 18-month or 2-year lease), which provides stability for you. These perks can expand your applicant pool and reduce vacancy. Even a “free first month” can pay off if it means renting a month sooner, because an occupied home earning rent is far better than an empty one earning nothing. In Orlando’s market, some landlords are indeed using small incentives (like a free month or minor upgrades) to stand out and get quality tenants in the door. Just be sure to calculate the cost of the incentive against the benefit of securing a tenant faster – in most cases, the math makes sense. By sweetening the deal for renters, you can fill your property faster and start collecting steady rent, which ultimately maximizes your yearly income. (Our team at Ackley can advise on smart incentives that work. We’ve seen what local renters respond to, and we structure promotions that get your property occupied faster without significantly denting your ROI.)
Make Cost-Effective Upgrades – Small, strategic upgrades to your property can yield higher rent and attract quality tenants, boosting your income. You don’t need to fully renovate the home – focus on high-ROI improvements that enhance the home’s appeal or reduce long-term costs. For example, fresh neutral paint and modern lighting can make the space more inviting. Updated appliances or adding an in-unit washer/dryer can justify a higher rent because many tenants will pay more for convenience. Even cosmetic touches like new cabinet hardware or a smart thermostat can set your rental apart. According to housing experts, well-maintained and updated rentals tend to attract more tenants and can rent for a premium. Upgrades also help ensure your property is in great shape, which can prevent maintenance issues down the road. Importantly, a “happy” property makes for happy tenants – residents are more likely to take care of a nicely updated home and to stay longer. When planning upgrades, prioritize things that add value (think kitchen and bathroom refreshes, durable flooring, energy-efficient fixes that cut utility bills, etc.) without over-capitalizing. A quick yard spruce-up for better curb appeal, or addressing that old AC unit, can make a big difference in Florida’s market. By investing a little now in your property’s condition, you can increase the monthly rent, reduce vacancy, and even raise the property’s value overall. (Ackley Florida can help coordinate cost-effective upgrades through our network of vetted contractors. We advise on which improvements will maximize rent for Orlando rentals and handle the project management, so you get a better property and higher returns with minimal hassle.)
Improve Tenant Screening and Selection – Choosing the right tenants is critical to maximizing income. A tenant who pays late, damages the property, or breaks the lease will cost you far more than any rent they pay. On the other hand, a responsible long-term tenant is a landlord’s asset. Thorough tenant screening helps you avoid costly evictions or property damage. It’s worth the extra effort up front. Always conduct background and credit checks, verify income and employment, and get prior landlord references. Statistics show that a formal eviction can cost landlords $2,500–$3,500 or more in legal fees, lost rent, and turnover costs. Even a “soft” eviction or early lease break means you’re losing rent and incurring advertising and cleaning costs again. By screening well, you greatly reduce these risks. Look for red flags like past evictions or inconsistent income, and don’t rush into handing over the keys just because you’re eager to fill the unit. It’s better to take an extra week to find a solid tenant than to end up with months of headaches. Good screening also correlates with tenants who take care of the home and stick around. Protect your rental income by selecting tenants with a track record of reliability. If this process sounds daunting, consider using a property management service or landlord tools that handle screening (they often catch things you might miss). Placing high-quality tenants means more on-time payments, less property damage, and zero costly evictions – all of which directly improve your net income. (At Ackley, we rigorously screen all applicants – checking credit, criminal background, income, and rental history – to ensure you get trustworthy tenants. This proactive approach shields you from non-payment and property issues, keeping your rental income flowing smoothly.)
Increase Lease Renewal Rates – Keeping good tenants for longer is one of the smartest ways to maximize ROI. Every time a tenant moves out, you incur turnover costs – advertising, cleaning, possibly lost rent during vacancy, and maybe a leasing fee – not to mention the hassle. In fact, the average tenant turnover can cost landlords around $2,500 in various expenses. If you can get a renter to renew their lease, you essentially avoid all those costs and eliminate any vacancy period. Renewals are gold for rental ROI: renewing a 12-month lease eliminates vacancy for that year entirely. To achieve high renewal rates, focus on tenant satisfaction. Promptly address maintenance requests (a well-maintained home gives tenants less reason to leave). Be responsive and respectful in communication – tenants who feel valued are more likely to stay. Consider offering a small incentive for renewing as well: perhaps keep the rent increase very modest (or none at all) for good tenants, or offer to upgrade an appliance or repaint if they sign on for another year. These gestures often cost far less than finding a new tenant. The strategy is to make it easy for your renters to say “yes” to staying. Orlando’s market actually shows how effective this can be – as noted, about two-thirds of renters opted to renew their lease in 2024. High renewals mean lower turnover and higher profit for owners. So build a relationship with your tenants: conduct periodic check-ins, send a renewal offer well in advance of lease expiry, and maybe include a thank-you note or loyalty perk. By boosting lease renewals, you keep that reliable rent coming in year after year. (Ackley Florida Property Management puts a big emphasis on tenant relations to reduce turnover. Our proactive maintenance and attentive service lead to happier tenants – and we achieve very high renewal rates as a result. We can handle lease renewals, negotiations, and any tenant concerns to help keep your renters long-term.)
Get Professional Help to Maximize Your Orlando Rental ROI
Implementing the strategies above will put you in a great position to thrive as a landlord in a slow market. But you don’t have to do it all alone. This is where partnering with an Orlando property management expert can truly pay off. A knowledgeable property manager can handle the heavy lifting – from marketing your listing and screening tenants to coordinating maintenance and tenant retention – all with the goal of maximizing your returns.
At Ackley Florida Property Management, we specialize in helping Orlando rental owners maximize rental income and minimize headaches. We’ve been serving Central Florida for decades and understand exactly what local renters want and what investors need. Here’s how we support you:
Optimal Rent Pricing: We conduct in-depth market analyses to set the ideal rent rate for your property, ensuring it’s competitive yet profitable. Our team continuously monitors Orlando rental trends so your pricing stays on point and you achieve the highest possible ROI on your rentals.
Marketing and Reduced Vacancy: We use professional advertising, high-quality photos, and widespread listings to fill vacancies fast. Our strategies have proven to reduce vacancy times significantly – getting your unit rented in days, not months. Fewer vacant days means more income in your pocket.
Cost-Effective Maintenance & Upgrades: Our network of trusted contractors will keep your property in top shape at reasonable cost. From preventative maintenance to strategic upgrades, we handle it all. Well-maintained homes rent for more and keep tenants happier, and we make sure your property is always attractive and efficient.
Thorough Tenant Screening: Ackley takes pride in placing excellent tenants. We rigorously screen every applicant’s background, credit, employment, and rental history. Only qualified, reliable renters get the keys – protecting your property and income. Our rigorous process helps you avoid evictions and late payments, saving you thousands in the long run.
Tenant Relations and Retention: We treat your tenants with professionalism and respect. Our responsive 24/7 maintenance support and attentive communication lead to satisfied renters who want to stay. By building strong tenant relationships, we increase lease renewal rates and reduce turnover costs for you. Many of our owners enjoy multi-year tenancies from high-quality renters, which is a win-win for everyone.
In a nutshell, Ackley Florida Property Management helps Orlando owners implement all these income-boosting strategies seamlessly. Our full-service approach means you can sit back and collect rent while we handle the pricing, marketing, tenant screening, maintenance, and more – maximizing your rental income even in a slow market.
Ready to maximize your Orlando rental property income? Now is an excellent time to optimize your rental strategy and partner with experts who can guide you. Don’t wait for the market to heat back up – take action to improve your ROI today. Contact Ackley Florida Property Management for a personalized consultation and learn how we can help you maximize ROI on your Orlando rentals and reduce vacancy in your Orlando properties. Whether you have one home or a whole portfolio, our experienced team is here to boost your income, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind. Get in touch with us today to turn your Orlando property into a high-performing rental, even in a slow market. Let’s make your rental income work harder for you!
