Accommodation in Miami is as diverse as the city itself. Art Deco apartments on palm-lined streets, gentrified lofts, Mission-style houses, and modern high rises all feature in Miami’s housing stock.
While Miami is one of the most popular destinations for British expats buying property in the USA, many new arrivals prefer renting at first to get a better sense of their new surroundings. New arrivals and expats to the city should note that finding accommodation in Miami can be challenging due to the supply issues the city is experiencing.
Areas and suburbs in Miami
The biggest thing that’ll guide a newcomer’s decisions when looking for housing in Miami is whether they’re moving with a family. Miami is great for singles, but those with families may not appreciate the party atmosphere of certain neighbourhoods.
Nature-loving youngsters who have a bit of leeway in their budgets will find Key Biscayne perfectly suited to their lifestyles, as the suburb offers access to waterfront parks and a golf course.
As is the case when moving to any city, the distance to work and school, pricing and the accessibility of public transport should be primary concerns. Areas like South Beach make it convenient to commute around the city centre, although the price is a hindrance for many prospective residents.
Areas further away from the city centre usually offer larger and more affordable accommodation, but access to public transport is more restricted, often making a car a necessary purchase. Many of these areas do have reputable schools, however, making them quite popular among families.
Read about the Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Miami.
Types of accommodation in Miami
Miami offers its residents a wide range of accommodation options, including Conch-style homes, apartments, bungalows, high-rise condos, and Art Deco homes. Conch-style or Bahamian homes are largely built of wood and set atop piers, and many are concentrated in Coconut Grove or Overtown.
Art Deco homes typically include everything from freestanding homes to condos, and these are mainly in the Art Deco District. Preservation rules restrict alterations and demolition of Art Deco properties, although owners are free to buy and sell them. High-rise condos are the heart and soul of Miami, and these properties usually include luxury amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and lifestyle centres.
Finding accommodation in Miami
Getting to know the different areas and suburbs in Miami is a key step when house hunting. Physically exploring a neighbourhood has the added advantage of seeing properties for sale or for rent that may not be listed elsewhere. Another alternative for finding accommodation in the city is by searching online classifieds and social media groups.
A less time-consuming option is hiring a real estate agent or contacting a property management company. The one downside of this is that some agents are more scrupulous than others. A good way to minimise risks is to go by word of mouth and ensure that the agent belongs to a reputable realtors’ organisation.
A small number of new arrivals reach Miami with a relocation company already lined up. An employer typically arranges this kind of service for senior corporate transfers. A relocation consultant will assess their preferences and pull together a shortlist of properties to visit. The service spares them the legwork of online searches and neighbourhood exploration.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in Miami
Whether negotiating with an individual owner, a real estate company or a condominium’s board of trustees, newcomers should be aware of the processes and costs attached to renting in Miami. Renting a condo in Miami often involves more bureaucratic processes than dealing directly with an owner and may entail extra fees for things like registration, parking, or even owning pets. Realtors are also likely to charge agent fees.
Making an application
Most landlords in Miami require new arrivals to complete a written application form. They will usually also have to present proof of identity, a social security number (or ITIN), recent payslips or bank statements as proof of income, and references from past landlords. Application fees are common and cover the cost of credit and background checks.
Leases
Written leases in Miami can range from a formal contract to a simple letter that outlines the landlord’s and tenant’s rights and obligations. Leases are generally for a fixed term, which is typically a year. If a lease doesn’t say what the duration of the contract is, the duration is determined by the period in which the tenant pays their rent, for example, weekly or monthly.
Deposits and fees
Landlords in Miami tend to charge a security deposit of one to two months’ rent upfront, as well as the first and last month’s rent. New arrivals shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate, although Miami’s tight rental market means concessions on the security deposit are far from guaranteed.
Terminating the lease
A lease in Miami can end at its natural expiry or be terminated early. Most fixed-term leases require written notice from either party who wants to end the agreement, and Florida’s Landlord and Tenant Act sets the notice periods. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days’ written notice is typically required. Tenants who break a fixed-term lease early may be liable for the unpaid balance of the lease unless the landlord agrees to release them or finds a replacement tenant. Once the lease ends, the landlord must return the security deposit within the timeframe set by state law; if no portion is withheld, this is usually 15 days.
Read Accommodation in the USA for more on national rental processes.
Utilities in Miami
Typically, tenants in Miami are responsible for paying for their own utilities, but they should check with their landlord whether it’s their responsibility to set these services up or not. In some cases, utilities like gas and electricity will be paid for by the landlord; however, this can lead to a higher rental fee.
Electricity and gas
Florida’s electricity market is regulated, so new arrivals do not get to compare prices or pick a provider; the utility for each address is assigned by location. Florida Power & Light is the electricity provider for most of Miami.
Natural gas comes from a smaller pool of suppliers, and Florida City Gas serves Miami-Dade. Those who already have an FPL or Florida City Gas account at another address can simply call to switch the connection from the old address to the new one.
Water
Miami’s drinking water supply comes entirely from groundwater wells and is supplied by the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department. Landlords are typically responsible for the water bill in Miami. New arrivals purchasing or renting a freestanding home may need to start a service with the Water and Sewer Department, which can be done online, in person, or by telephone.
Bins and recycling
Both the rubbish removal and recycling collection schedules can be checked on the city’s official website. Residents are required to put their bins outside 12 to 24 hours before the removal day.
The city has strict rules about what can and can’t be recycled, and recyclable items are collected from single-family homes biweekly. Apartment complexes and multifamily buildings are legally mandated to provide recycling programmes for their residents.
Things like paper, plastic and unbroken glass can all be recycled. On the other hand, electronic waste, medical waste, and batteries are non-recyclable items.