Why Florissant Requires You to Have a Property Manager
If you own or plan to invest in rental property in Florissant, Missouri, you’re dealing with one of the most regulated rental environments in St. Louis County. With strict ordinances, required training, and enforcement that carries real financial risk, Florissant essentially forces you to hire a property manager—or risk violating the law. Here’s exactly why.
1. Florissant’s Rental Licensing Requirements
Florissant’s Residential Rental License is required for every rental property, and it’s not just a formality.
- $50 annual licensing fee per property
- Mandatory Crime-Free Housing seminar
- Approved occupancy inspection before every new tenancy
2. Crime-Free Housing Seminar (Yes, It’s Mandatory)
The city requires landlords to attend a Crime-Free Housing Seminar hosted by the Florissant Police Department. It covers:
- Tenant screening for criminal history
- Lease clauses that support legal eviction
- Working with law enforcement
3. Occupancy Inspections Are Required for Every New Tenant
Before any new tenant moves in, you must pass a city-conducted occupancy inspection that checks:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- General safety and cleanliness
Florissant Inspection Requirements
4. You Must Have a Local Manager Within 50 Miles
The city requires that the owner or their representative lives within 50 miles of the property. If you’re out of state, you must hire a local property manager to comply.
5. Comparison to Other Cities
| City | License Required | Crime-Free Seminar | Inspections | Local Manager Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florissant | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Every new tenant | ✅ Within 50 miles |
| Hazelwood | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ferguson | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Maryland Heights | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
6. Tenant Demographics and Market Data
- Population: 51,000+
- Median Income: $52,000
- Median Rent: $1,540/month
- Vacancy Rate: ~4.5%
Sources: Zillow | Point2Homes
7. What Happens if You Don’t Comply?
Violations can result in:
- Revoked rental license
- Canceled occupancy permits
- Fines and citations
- Tenant displacement
Case: STL Association of Realtors v. City of Florissant
8. Self-Managing vs. Professional Management
| Task | Self-Managing | Property Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Attendance | You must attend | Handled by manager |
| Local Rep Requirement | Must live nearby | Met by PM’s address |
| Inspections | You schedule + attend | Manager coordinates |
| Maintenance | 24/7 calls to your phone | PM handles all vendors |
9. Seasonal Maintenance Requirements
- Winter: Sidewalk snow removal
- Spring: Water/mold inspections
- Summer: Mow, HVAC tune-ups
- Fall: Gutter clearing, furnace prep
10. Timeline for New Landlords
- Purchase property
- Apply for license
- Schedule & pass inspection
- Attend Crime-Free seminar
- Find and screen tenants
- Collect rent, maintain property
- Renew annually
11. Best Florissant Neighborhoods for Investment
- Old Town Florissant: Historic, charming, lower rent, high turnover
- Hazelwood West Area: Family-oriented, stable, high rent
- Flamingo Park: High ROI, easy tenant demand
12. Real Horror Stories
Case 1: An investor forgot to re-attend the Crime-Free Seminar. The city revoked licenses for all 5 of their units. Total rent lost: over $10,000.
Case 2: A DIY landlord let a tenant move in before passing inspection. The city fined him and voided the lease. The tenant filed a lawsuit.
13. Compliance Checklist
- [ ] Valid rental license
- [ ] Occupancy inspection passed
- [ ] Crime-Free Seminar complete
- [ ] Property manager within 50 miles
- [ ] Lawn, gutters, and HVAC maintained
- [ ] Compliant lease terms
Conclusion: Hire a Property Manager and Sleep at Night
Florissant’s tight regulations, licensing, and enforcement mean this isn’t a market for passive or absentee landlords. Working with a professional property manager protects your income, avoids fines, and gives your tenants the service they deserve.
Avenue Real Estate Group specializes in Florissant property management and handles everything from licensing to leasing. We keep you legal, profitable, and stress-free.
<