Renters
St. Pete Rental Residents
The City of St. Petersburg is committed to providing affordable housing for its residents. The links below include information on apartment listings, housing authorities, and programs.
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation
- HomeShare
- Rental & Utility Assistance
- Residents Experiencing Homelessness
- Rental Unit Code Violations—Request an Inspection
- Search Tool for Affordable Apartments
Renter's Rights
Housing is an essential component of individual and community well-being, and renting continues to grow in popularity among City residents, making rental units an important part of the City’s available housing stock. Protecting renters from eviction, discrimination, and unreasonable late fees is important to the City’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Accordingly, the Tenant Bill of Rights, found in Chapter 20 of the City’s Municipal Code, was adopted by City Council on November 7, 2019 and put into effect on February 8, 2020. There have been three separate ordinances passed, which include certain requirements for landlords.
- Late Fees
- Notice of Rights
- Notice of Redevelopment
Late Fees (Chapter 20-320)
In addition to informing tenants of their rights and responsibilities, it is equally important to inform landlords of their rights and responsibilities. Noted below is a summary of the Tenant Notice of Late Fees found in the Tenant Bill of Rights:
- Written notice must be provided by the landlord to the tenant(s) prior to any late fees being assessed to the tenant(s.)
- Written notice is required each time a new late fee is assessed.
- Only one notice is required if the same late fee continues to accrue after delivery of the notice.
- Late fees must be clearly referenced in the rental agreement.
Notice of Rights
At the time a rental agreement is formalized, all landlords must provide the tenant(s) with a copy of the Required Notice of Rights in Housing, as approved by City Council, prior to the tenant(s) occupying the rental unit. Noted below is a summary of the Notice of Rights:
- All residential units must be fit for habitation.
- Retaliation and discrimination against tenants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or veteran or service member status is illegal.
- Tenant(s) has/have the right to challenge an eviction and other unlawful action.
- Help is available for those facing eviction and/or homelessness by contacting 2-1-1.
Notice of Redevelopment
Ordinance 419-H, brought forth to City Council on March 5, 2020, amends Chapter 16 of the City of St. Petersburg’s Municipal Code creating a requirement that property owners provide written notice to tenant(s) in certain multi-family developments of their intent to develop and dislocate tenants. Noted below is a summary of the Tenant Notice of Intent to Develop:
- Projects which involve four or more existing occupied multi-family dwelling units shall provide a written Notice of Intent to Develop to all tenants residing on the subject property at least 90 days prior to issuance of a building permit.
- No permits shall be issued for the subject property until such time as the 90-day period has expired.
- A written Notice of Intent to Develop shall be issued on paper with a planned date for demolition of structures and commencement of construction.
- Notice of Intent to Develop shall be delivered via certified mail to all tenants residing on the subject property.
Jamestown Apartments
The Jamestown Townhouse and Apartment Complex is a 76-unit residential community designed for low-to-moderate-income residents. This unique housing community is owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg and is located close to the heart of the City's downtown area.
Jamestown is a family-oriented residential community close to schools, shopping, and public transportation. It is operated by an on-site manager and maintenance staff. Management encourages Jamestown residents to seek home ownership and supports that effort through a variety of City and federal housing programs, and homebuyer education classes.
Watch the Jamestown Virtual Tour
Named after the community activist Chester James, the townhouse section was the first of a four-phase redevelopment planned for the entire Jamestown residential area, an area formerly known as Methodist Town. The redevelopment combined an extensive residential rehabilitation program with total redevelopment of the area and new construction. Planners wanted to incorporate positive elements of the existing neighborhood with new amenities of pleasant urban living. The residences feature central heating and air conditioning, carpet or laminate flooring, electric appliances and many with laundry connections.
The management/leasing office is located adjacent to the complex in the Dwight H. Jones Neighborhood Center, 1035 Burlington Ave. N. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For additional leasing information or to schedule a tour, call 727-893-7324.