Everything your onsite team
needs in one place.
Quick reference guides, FAQs, document templates, and outreach tools to support compliance with Florida's Live Local Act.
How Tenants Submit Documents in Vaulter
Every tenant submission flows through the property's Vaulter portal. The portal walks tenants through a few simple questions, collects their income documents, and auto-generates the Lease Addendum and Affidavit for signature, all in one mobile-friendly experience.
Every property in the program has a unique Vaulter link tied to its name. Make sure you're sharing the correct property URL with your residents (for example, the link for your specific community will follow the format leveragelivelocal.com/vaulter-[propertyname]). If you're unsure of your property's link, contact your Leverage Live Local compliance advisor.
What Tenants Will Experience
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Tenant clicks the property's Vaulter linkThe link can be shared via email, text, QR code, or printed flyer. The landing page introduces Vaulter and shows preview samples of the Lease Addendum and Affidavit so tenants know what they'll be signing before they begin.
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Click "Get Started Now"This launches the tenant portal where the actual submission process happens.
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Answer a few guided questionsThe portal adapts to the tenant's situation: household size, income sources, and employment details. Most tenants complete this in under 5 minutes.
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Upload supporting income documentsAcceptable documents include pay stubs, bank statements (last 3 months), tax returns or transcripts, Form W-2, Social Security or pension award letters, benefit letters, or an Affidavit of No Income. Tenants can take clear photos with their phone or upload scanned files.
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Review and sign the auto-generated documentsVaulter automatically generates the Lease Addendum and Affidavit pre-filled with the tenant's information. The tenant signs electronically inside the portal.
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Submit and download copiesOnce submitted, the tenant can download copies of their signed documents for their records. The submission flows automatically into Local Lens for review by your team and the Leverage Live Local compliance team.
What Property Managers Should Do
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Share your property's Vaulter link with tenantsUse the outreach templates in Section 7 to send the link via email and text on Day 1, then follow the cadence (Day 3, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, then every 5 days) until the tenant submits.
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Monitor submissions in Local LensLog into Local Lens and check the Income Verification tab to see which units have submitted, which are pending, and which need follow-up.
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Resolve flagged itemsIf the Leverage Live Local team flags a file as Incomplete or Needs Review, work with the resident to provide the missing documentation or upload it directly on their behalf.
Income Verification Statuses (in Local Lens)
Every file in Local Lens carries one of seven statuses. Knowing what each one means helps your team prioritize follow-ups.
Bookmark the Income Verification tab in Local Lens. Most onsite teams find it easiest to make a habit of checking statuses at the start of each week, the same way you'd check a leasing pipeline.
Local Lens Leasing Workflows
Three workflow options for integrating Local Lens into your existing move-in process. Pick the one that best fits how your team already operates.
Onsite Staff Uploads Documents
The applicant submits documents through your existing process. After the household is approved, your onsite team logs into Local Lens and uploads the collected documents. Local Lens functions as the compliance file repository.
- Properties that keep document collection fully in-house
- Teams already collecting documents via email, paper, or PMS uploads
- Properties that want Local Lens to serve as an internal compliance repository
Step-by-Step
- Prospect applies through your standard processIn-office, online, or through your PMS.
- Leasing team collects required documentationAs part of the normal approval process, gather all household and income documents from the applicant.
- Application is reviewed using your approval criteriaYour team determines whether the applicant meets your leasing requirements.
- Applicant is approved and entered into the PMSStandard data: tenant name, unit, rent, move-in date.
- Onsite staff uploads documents into Local LensDocuments can be uploaded at any point. They will queue and attach automatically once the tenant record is created after the Rent Roll is updated.
- Property provides updated Rent Roll after move-inThe tenant record is created in Local Lens and uploaded documents become visible.
- Leverage Live Local team reviews and flags missing itemsOnsite staff resolves flagged items directly or follows up with the resident.
Applicant Self-Uploads After Approval
You still conduct your own income review and approve the applicant. The difference: instead of uploading documents yourself, you send the approved applicant a Local Lens submission link and they self-upload directly.
- Properties that have already completed their own income review and approved the applicant
- Teams that want to embed Local Lens into their standard applicant workflow
- Teams that want to make direct applicant upload part of the documentation requirement
- Properties leveraging additional tasks (Lease Addendum, Affidavit of No Income) through the submission link
Step-by-Step
- Prospect applies through your regular leasing processOnline, in the leasing office, or through your PMS.
- Leasing team reviews income and assesses affordabilityConfirm the applicant meets your rent affordability and leasing criteria.
- Applicant is approvedOnsite team prepares the file for onboarding.
- Send approved applicant a Local Lens submission linkApplicant self-uploads documents directly through the link from their phone or computer.
- Onsite team monitors submission progressCheck Local Lens to confirm uploads. Follow up with the applicant on anything outstanding.
- Approved household is entered into the PMSLease executes and tenant moves in through your normal workflow.
- Property provides updated Rent RollTenant appears in Local Lens, documents attach automatically, and the Leverage Live Local team flags any missing items.
Staff Transfers Documents from Third-Party Screening Platform
The applicant continues using your existing third-party screening platform. After approval, your onsite team downloads the documents and uploads them into Local Lens. The applicant experience stays unchanged.
- Properties that already rely on an external screening provider or application platform
- Teams that do not want to change their current applicant-facing collection process
- Properties that need a centralized location for compliance file organization and eligibility tracking
Step-by-Step
- Prospect applies through your standard leasing processSubmission through your existing process.
- Applicant uploads documents into the third-party platformAs part of screening, the applicant provides supporting documentation through the external platform.
- Onsite team reviews through the existing approval processContinue using your current screening and approval workflow without interruption.
- Applicant is approved or conditionally approvedPrepare the file for onboarding and compliance review.
- Approved household is entered into the PMSStandard onboarding through your current process.
- Onsite staff downloads documents from screening platformRetrieve individual files, applicant packets, or screening attachments.
- Onsite staff uploads documents into Local LensDocuments will queue and become visible once the tenant record is created after the Rent Roll is updated.
- Property provides updated Rent RollLeverage Live Local team reviews the file and flags missing items. Onsite staff resolves them.
13 Best Practices for Ongoing Compliance
Build these habits into your weekly workflow. Maximizing document uploads and making income verification a routine workflow step is what protects ongoing compliance.
Live Local Act FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions about Florida's Live Local Act and how it affects your property.
What is the Live Local Act?
Florida's Live Local Act is a comprehensive housing affordability law effective July 2023. It allocates $811 million toward affordable housing programs and introduces a range of tax incentives to make development more attractive, including the Multifamily Middle Market Certification Newly Constructed Multifamily Project Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (commonly called the "Missing Middle" tax exemption).
What is the "Missing Middle" tax exemption?
It is a property tax exemption targeting income earners who don't qualify for traditional subsidized housing but still struggle with affordability. To qualify, a property must:
- Be a new or recently constructed multifamily development (completed within the last 5 years)
- Have at least 71 units
- Designate units for tenants whose incomes fall below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Tax benefits scale by income tier:
- Units at or below 80% AMI: 100% property tax exemption
- Units between 80% and 120% AMI: 75% property tax exemption
How does a property maintain the exemption year over year?
The exemption is not automatic. Owners must complete an annual certification process with both the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) and the local Property Appraiser. The general process:
- January 15: Submit the Middle Market Multifamily (MMM) Certification through the FHFC online portal. FHFC issues the MMM Certificate upon approval.
- March 1: Complete and submit DOR Form DR-504AFH to the county Property Appraiser, with the MMM Certificate attached.
- The Property Appraiser reviews compliance and determines the final exempt value.
What ongoing compliance is required?
- Annual FHFC Certification by January 15
- Annual Property Appraiser Application by March 1
- Tenant incomes must comply with AMI thresholds
- Rents must remain within program limits by unit type
- Income verification and lease documentation must be maintained for audit readiness
Why does my property need to verify tenant income?
Income verification is the proof point that the property is actually serving residents within the AMI thresholds the program requires. Counties and the FHFC can request this documentation as part of an audit or routine review. Without it, the property risks losing its tax exemption.
What income documents count toward verification?
Acceptable documents include (but are not limited to):
- Recent pay stubs (typically 6 consecutive weeks)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Tax documents (Form 1040 or Verification of Non-Filing letter)
- Form W-2 or Employment Verification Letter
- Social Security, disability, or pension award letters (Form SSA-1099)
- Affidavit of No Income (for adults or minors without income)
Vaulter FAQ
Answers to the questions tenants ask most often. Use this as a reference when fielding questions from residents.
Why does my tenant need to complete this form?
The form is required to comply with Florida's Live Local Act, which provides property tax savings in exchange for maintaining housing affordability. Counties require verification of tenant income to confirm eligibility and continued compliance.
What information will tenants be asked to provide?
Household income information along with supporting documents. The form guides tenants step by step and adjusts based on their specific situation.
What types of income documents are accepted?
Acceptable documents include (but are not limited to):
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Tax documents (such as Form 1040 or Verification of Non-Filing)
- Social Security, disability, or pension statements
- Benefit letters or award notices
- Affidavit of No Income
- Other income documentation relevant to the household
The system will prompt the tenant to select and upload the appropriate documents based on their circumstances.
What if the tenant has no income to report?
The tenant can complete an Affidavit of No Income as part of the process. If an affidavit is not applicable, alternative documentation explaining the situation may be submitted. All submissions are reviewed by property management to ensure program compliance.
How is tenant personal information protected?
Privacy and data security are top priority. Only the property manager and authorized personnel from Vaulter (Leverage Live Local) have access to tenant information. Vaulter uses a secure system to collect, store, and manage documents, and all files are private and accessible only to authorized users.
How long does the form take to complete?
Most tenants complete the form in under 5 minutes. Having income documents available (clear photos or scanned files) speeds up the process.
What happens if the tenant doesn't complete the form?
If the form is not completed, there may not be sufficient documentation to meet Live Local Act compliance requirements. Tenants who are unable to complete the form should contact their property manager as soon as possible.
Can the form be completed on a phone?
Yes. Vaulter is mobile-friendly. Tenants can complete the form and upload documents directly from their smartphone.
Where can a tenant get help?
Tenants can contact:
- Their property manager
- Vaulter Support: info@leveragelivelocal.com
Document Library
Templates and reference documents used across the Live Local compliance workflow. Replace href="#" with the actual file URLs once uploaded to Squarespace.
Tenant Outreach Templates
Ready-to-send email and text message templates organized by outreach day. Customize the highlighted placeholders before sending: [Property Name], [Tenant's Name], [Reward Amount], [Free Month Rent Reward], [Reward1], [Reward2], [phone number], [Your Name].
Outreach Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Email Subject | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to [Property Name]! Secure Your Rent & Claim Your Rewards | New Tenants |
| Day 1 | Keep Your Rent Predictable and Claim Your Rewards with Vaulter! | Existing Tenants |
| Day 3 | Reminder: Secure Your Rent & Claim Your Rewards with Vaulter | All Tenants |
| Day 7 | Reminder: Lock in Your Rent & Enjoy Rewards with Vaulter | All Tenants |
| Day 10 | Still Need to Secure Your Rent with Vaulter? | All Tenants |
| Day 14 | Have You Submitted Yet? Protect Your Rent with Vaulter | All Tenants |
| Day 18 | Reminder: It's Not Too Late to Protect Your Rent with Vaulter | All Tenants |
| Day 21 | Don't Miss Out! Protect Your Rent & Claim Rewards | All Tenants |
| Day 21+ | Every 5 days, rotating subjects | All Tenants |
Ongoing Reminders (Every 5 Days)
After Day 21, continue sending a friendly reminder every 5 days until the tenant submits. Rotate through the subject lines and text messages below to keep messaging fresh.
Email Subject Lines (rotate in order)
| # | Subject Line |
|---|---|
| 1 | Still Need to Submit? Keep Your Rent Predictable |
| 2 | Don't Forget! Complete Your Form for Rent Protection |
| 3 | Secure Your Rent Today, It's Quick and Easy! |
| 4 | Your Rent Protection is Waiting, Complete Your Form |
| 5 | Keep Your Rent Under Control, Submit Your Form Now |
Text Message Templates (rotate in order)
| # | Message |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hi [Tenant's Name], don't forget to complete your Vaulter form for rent protection. Questions? Call [phone]. |
| 2 | Need help? Complete your Vaulter form today and lock in your rent protection. Call [phone] for assistance. |
| 3 | Hi [Tenant's Name], secure predictable rent today. Complete your Vaulter form now! Need help? Call [phone]. |
| 4 | Reminder: Complete your Vaulter form to lock in rent protection. Call [phone] for support. |
| 5 | Hey [Tenant's Name], almost done! Complete your Vaulter form to keep your rent predictable. Call [phone] for help. |