Landlords and rental property owners in Florida often ask whether a screen enclosure is a worthwhile investment on a property they don’t personally live in. Here’s how to think about it.
The Case For It
Higher rent potential. A screened pool or patio is a genuine amenity Florida renters notice and are often willing to pay more for, particularly for longer-term or family tenants who prioritize usable outdoor space.
Reduced pool maintenance costs. If you or a property manager are handling pool upkeep, an enclosure meaningfully cuts down on debris, which reduces skimming and chemical costs over time — a real ongoing savings for a rental you’re maintaining long-term.
Tenant satisfaction and retention. Amenities that make a rental genuinely pleasant to live in support longer tenancies, which reduces turnover costs — often a bigger financial factor than the rent premium itself.
Liability considerations. A pool enclosure with a properly functioning locking door can be part of a broader risk-management approach for landlords with liability exposure around an unenclosed pool, alongside other required safety measures.
The Case for Waiting
If you’re planning to sell the property soon rather than hold it as a long-term rental, the calculation shifts more toward a straightforward resale value question rather than a rental-income one. And for lower-rent properties where tenants are highly price-sensitive, the rent premium may not offset the investment as cleanly as it would on a higher-end rental.
Permitting Still Applies
Rental properties are held to the same Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau County permitting requirements as owner-occupied homes — there’s no exception for investment properties, and skipping this step creates the same insurance and liability risks either way.
Considering It for Your Rental?
We work with landlords and property managers throughout Northeast Florida and can walk through the numbers for your specific property.
Call Wayne or JT Kish at (904) 805-4343, or use our free estimate form online.
FL Certified Specialty Contractor — Lic. #SCC131149801 | Licensed & Insured