The City of Tallahassee partners with various community entities to provide resources for landlords and their tenants. As more programs become available, they will be listed below.

The City has established a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund (the "Fund") to support local landlords who agree to partner to provide housing stability for vulnerable and at-risk tenants. The Fund is designed to provide some assurances to landlords who rent to tenants that are facing eviction or are ending their homelessness. Participation in the Fund represents a partnership between property owners and the City, housing service providers, and tenants. In addition to financial incentives, the program supports landlords and tenants with individualized community-based services and consultations to reduce tenant turnover and avoid costly and detrimental evictions. Landlords looking for more information or wanting to apply should visit the Fund's page.

Owners of residential rental units comprising of 1-4 unit buildings located within the City limits may apply for up to $25,000 per unit with a maximum four unit building investment of $100,000 to rehab homes for lease to low and moderate income tenants. The financing is in the form of a forgivable loan, fully forgiven after 15 years if the owner/landlord meets the compliance terms. Owners/landlords must agree to the terms of the loan, provide temporary relocation of existing tenants if necessary, and enroll in the City’s Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as funds are available. More information on the program may be found by reviewing the Program Guide. Apply online through the City’s application portal.

The following outside groups work with the City of Tallahassee to provide guidance and services to both landlords and tenants:

• Big Bend Continuum of Care (BBCoC)
  Fill vacant unit with a vetted tenant exiting homelessness or connect vulnerable tenants with financial assistance to prevent homelessness
• United Partners for Human Services
  Connect vulnerable tenants with housing and human services through local nonprofit providers
• Leon County Clerk of Court’s Low Bono Center
  Low cost legal guidance and attorney consultations for landlord/tenant issues
• Legal Services of North Florida
  Legal representation for low-income and vulnerable individuals in housing and other civil matters
• Legal Aid Foundation
  Free legal assistance for low-income tenants

If you are a landlord or a tenant that has already received conflict resolution support from any of our community partners listed above and did not arrive at a resolution, a volunteer mediator may be able to further assist. Mediation is a process whereby a neutral third person called a mediator acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute, in this instance, a landlord/tenant dispute, between two or more parties. It is an informal and non-adversarial process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement. In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties. The role of the mediator includes, but is not limited to, assisting the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem solving, and exploring settlement alternatives. The Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program is administered by the City Attorney's Office.