Rental Property Guidelines

The City of West Palm Beach’s Development Services Department is committed to ensuring a smooth permit request and regulation progress between the City and local renters. Whether you plan on listing your property as a “short-term” rental on a platform like AirBnB, or if you are preparing to enter into a contract with designated tenants, the same regulations apply.  

All rental units within the City are required to secure a rental tax application.  This form is available on the City’s web site in the Development Services Department – Business Tax section. Once completed, the request is generally processed within seven to 10 business days. 

Applying for a Rental License

A rental tax application helps ensure that rental properties meet and maintain the minimum housing standards established by the City. You can see the online application for a rental property license here. In addition to completing this application, property owners are asked to complete a zoning review, which verifies the number of units in the request, and includes the following:

• Scheduled inspection with code compliance (must be completed for all rental properties)

• Fire inspection (if 3 or more units are under the same roof)

To help streamline the inspection portion of the zoning review, please make sure the following steps have been taken for the property:

• Interior

  • Conditions are sanitary and safe.

  • All appliances, electrical work, plumbing, windows and basic facilities are in working condition.

  • Window screens are either in place or available for installation.

  • Any present insects or rodents have been exterminated.

• Exterior

  • Conditions are sanitary and safe.

  • Outdoor storage has been removed.

  • All parking areas are completely paved.

  • Proper landscape maintenance has been performed.

  • Safe egress is available (no tripping hazards).

  • Address numbers are appropriately displayed on the structure.

Once you submit your rental license application, please contact Code Enforcement at (561) 822-1465 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

Types of Rental Properties

Type 1: Owner-Occupied (Single-Family, Multifamily or Duplex)

• Definition

  • Owner-occupied or associated with an owner-occupied principal residence,

  • Includes the rental of an entire dwelling unit, OR

  • (If only part of the unit) includes at a minimum a sleeping room with shared full bathroom), is limited to a single party of individuals, and the owner is generally present during the rental.

• Rules

  • Applicants must provide documentation that the property is owner-occupied or is associated with an owner-occupied principal residential unit.

  • Ownership information on your application must match the deed as recorded with the Palm Beach County Clerk's Office.

Type 2: Not Owner-Occupied (Single-Family or Duplex)

• Definition

  • Are not owner-occupied or associated with an owner-occupied principal residence,

  • Are single-family or duplex properties, and

  • Include the rental of an entire dwelling unit.

• Rules

  • Ownership information on your application must match the deed as recorded with the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office.

Type 3: Not Owner-Occupied (Multifamily)

• Definition

  • Are not owner-occupied,

  • Are part of a multifamily use property (apartments, condos, etc.), and

  • Include the rental of an entire dwelling unit

• Rules

  • Applicants must provide documentation of the total number of buildings on the property, as well as units per building.

  • Applicants must comply with any current geographic caps.

Solid Waste Guidelines

Renters are required to follow all City of West Palm Beach solid waste, recycling, bulk pickup, and yard waste guidelines. These rules help maintain safety, cleanliness, and reliable service for the entire neighborhood. For complete details and current requirements, please visit the City’s Public Works Department website.

Code Compliance for West Palm Beach Residential Properties

The City of West Palm Beach’s Code Compliance Division aims to maintain the beauty of our City’s neighborhoods. In efforts to meet this goal, the division has adopted specific codes that create minimum standards for properties within City limits. These standards help regulate sub-standard housing conditions, trash and debris collection, yard maintenance and parking areas. The result is a clean, attractive community with increased property values and reduced crime and vandalism.

Common Code Violations

• Yard maintenance standards

  • Maintaining appropriate yard conditions is the responsibility of every property owner. Dead trees and/or limbs must be removed in a timely manner, and trees must be trimmed enough so that it doesn’t obstruct the view or travel of nearby motorists.

• Inoperative motor vehicles

  • Disabled and/or unlicensed vehicles must be kept in a garage. These are vehicles that do not have a current license plate or aren’t able to safely operate on public streets.

• Junk, trash and debris

  • Large items must be properly disposed of and not left in a yard for an extended period of time. This includes auto parts, appliances, furniture, tree limbs, etc.

• Unpaved parking

  • All licensed automobiles must be parked on an approved driveway or paves surface.

• Commercial equipment

  • No commercial vehicles/equipment are permitted to be parked and/or stored in a residential area within the City of West Palm Beach. No commercial vehicle in excess of 10,000 pounds may be parked in a residential neighborhood.

• Outdoor storage

  • Any equipment, furnishing or materials that would not normally be used outdoors may not be stored outdoors. For example, you may not store indoor furniture, appliances or building materials outside.

• Illegal dwelling units

  • Owners of rental units are required to obtain a rental license and undergo an inspection. Units that have been added to the interior or exterior of a structure without the proper permits are illegal.

For more information on the City’s Code Compliance Division, please visit our Code Enforcement page.