How to Get the Highest ROI on Your Kissimmee Rental Property

You’re the owner; you always have the last word on what rental rate to charge for your home, but you really need to hit that market right smack-bang in the middle. If you ask too much for your home, it will sit vacant for a few months, and that’s lost revenue that you can never recover. If you set the rate too low, you’re still losing income.

So, it’s important to set that rate just right.

When you’re looking at research, a good place to start is Zillow. Look at Zillow and see what other homes are renting for in your neighborhood. Also, look at Realtor.com. Some owners will always want a little too much; some will want it bang on the market rate.

And that’s another good reason for you to talk to a really good property management company because a seasoned veteran will know exactly how much rent you can get to attract a tenant who is going to want to live in there for three to five years—which is ideally what you want.

Because when you have to change tenants every year, it costs you money. You’ve got downtime, and you’ve got fix-up costs. You don’t want that. You want someone who will want to stay there for at least 3 to 5 years. So you’ve got to price it just right. You can also increase that rate a little bit each year, and that also helps with your returns on your investment too.

How do you Calculate Rental Rates?

Your rental rate can be calculated using the overall value of your home. Typically, homeowners charge between 0.8-1.1% of the cost of the home. This has been determined to be the fair rental rate in most areas, and allows for the rental rate to change with the current real estate market.

For example, if your home is worth 300k, you can fairly charge anywhere from $2400-$3300 a month for rent. However, should the real estate market undergo any major changes, this number could raise or drop depending on the current market value of your home. If major changes happen while you have a tenant that has signed a contract for a certain price, you cannot make any changes until the end of the contract in most cases.

If your home has any HOA fees, include this in the cost of the rental rate. Some homeowners may even include some of the utilities in the rent so that the tenant is never responsible for making those payments. In some areas, should the trash bill fall delinquent, your home may be subject to a lean until it is paid. For this reason, it may be easier to include those costs in the rental rate, and never change ownership of the account.

What is a Good Rental Rate

If you ask too much for your home, it will sit vacant for a few months, and that’s lost revenue you can never recover. Setting the rate too low means you’re still losing rental income. So, you must set that rental rate just right.

To end up with a good return on investment, you will want to consider all factors. Major repairs and maintenance can eat into your return if they are not taken care of properly the first time or ignored for too long. Maintaining your property is one of the best ways to secure your ROI in the long run. If you are renting, you want to make sure you are properly screening your tenants to make sure they are maintaining your property as well.

The other main component in a good return on your investment property is the rental rate. Make sure to check into real estate websites in your area to see what properties similar to yours are renting for. While the above rental rate calculation is a good rule of thumb, demand in some areas may cause these numbers to fluctuate. Overall, if you yield more than 6% of your investment, you are doing something right!

Some owners will always want a little too much, and that’s another good reason to talk to a property manager in Kissimmee. A seasoned veteran will know exactly how much rent you can get to find a tenant who wants to live there for three to five years, which is ideally what you want. Changing tenants every year costs money. There is downtime and there are fix-up costs that you don’t want. Keeping your tenant for three to five years is ideal, so you want to set the rate just right. You’ll be able to increase the rent a little every year, and that will help your ROI too.

Finally, when talking to your property manager, ask what your home should rent for. A good property manager will want to look at it first. They will want to see inside your home before quoting an accurate rental rate.

15 Extra Tips For Getting the Highest ROI on Your Kissimmee Long-Term Rental

1. Target the right tenant demographic

Kissimmee attracts Disney employees, healthcare workers, and professionals who value stability and location. Properties near major employers like AdventHealth Celebration or Disney can command premium rates from reliable, long-term tenants seeking proximity to work.

2. Invest in professional property listing photos

First impressions matter tremendously. Professional photography showcasing your property’s best features attracts quality applicants and reduces vacancy times. This small investment pays dividends by helping your property stand out in a competitive market.

3. Price strategically for the long-term market

Research comparable properties carefully to set competitive rates that attract reliable tenants while maximizing your returns. The right price point reduces vacancy periods and tenant turnover—both major profit killers for rental properties.

4. Offer sensible upgrades that matter

Focus on improvements that truly increase value: energy-efficient appliances, durable flooring, neutral modern paint, and updated fixtures. These upgrades justify higher rents while reducing maintenance calls and utility costs.

5. Screen tenants thoroughly

Quality tenants are your most valuable asset. Comprehensive background checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references are non-negotiable. A tenant who pays on time and cares for your property is worth their weight in gold.

6. Create lease agreements that protect your investment

Well-crafted lease agreements clearly outline responsibilities, maintenance expectations, and renewal terms. These protect both you and your tenants while setting the foundation for a positive, professional relationship.

7. Respond promptly to maintenance issues

Addressing small problems before they become expensive emergencies saves money and builds tenant loyalty. Responsive maintenance is the number one factor in tenant satisfaction and renewal decisions.

8. Build a reliable vendor network

Develop relationships with trustworthy contractors who provide quality work at fair prices. These relationships ensure timely repairs and maintenance, controlling costs while maintaining property value.

9. Implement preventative maintenance schedules

Regular HVAC servicing, pest control, and property inspections prevent costly emergency repairs and extend the life of your investment. This proactive approach reduces expenses and tenant frustration.

10. Consider including lawn care services

Bundling basic lawn maintenance into rent ensures your property maintains curb appeal and prevents neglect. The small additional cost is often offset by higher rent potential and reduced property damage.

11. Install durable, tenant-friendly features

Focus on long-lasting materials and fixtures that withstand daily use. Ceramic tile in high-traffic areas, solid-surface countertops, and quality ceiling fans reduce replacement frequency and maintenance costs.

12. Optimize tenant renewal rates

Tenant turnover is expensive. Offer reasonable renewal incentives, maintain positive relationships, and address concerns promptly to encourage lease renewals. Even small rent increases with renewals are more profitable than finding new tenants.

13. Stay informed about Kissimmee’s rental market trends

Monitor local employment changes, development projects, and rental rates regularly. Understanding market trends helps you make informed decisions about improvements and pricing strategies.

14. Consider offering modest lease incentives

Strategic incentives like slightly reduced first month’s rent or small welcome packages can help secure quality tenants quickly, reducing costly vacancy periods without significantly impacting your overall returns.

15. Work with an experienced property management partner

A knowledgeable property management company familiar with Kissimmee’s rental market handles tenant screening, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance—freeing you from day-to-day headaches while maximizing your property’s performance.

With these strategies, your Kissimmee rental property can deliver consistent, reliable returns for years to come. Remember, successful long-term rentals aren’t about quick profits but building sustainable value through tenant satisfaction and property preservation.

Need help managing your property? Give us a call.