Short Term Rentals Impacting Quality of Life

[Normal]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

[dewilson58]

"otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values".....any factual support??


"Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting"....county wide guidelines??????...............good luck with that.

:posting:

[Normal]

"otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values".....any factual support??


"Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting"....county wide guidelines??????...............good luck with that.

:posting:

We’ll just surround your house with rentals and you can tell us if life improved or if your property value increased….lol

[vintageogauge]

There are streets in TV that do not allow rentals, they should make more of them for those that it bothers.

[RICH1]

Good time to bail for STONECREST ..

[oldtimes]

We’ll just surround your house with rentals and you can tell us if life improved or if your property value increased….lol

If you do a Google search for “short term rentals ruining neighborhoods” you will see that it is already a huge and growing problem. The short term rental industry has a large group of lobbyists dedicated to preventing legislation to restrict them.

I think in an over 55 community it is an even bigger problem because people buy into an over 55 community for safety and security not a revolving door of strangers in a cheap hotel.

[Bill14564]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

You pretty much know from the other thread that there has not been any movement.

It is possible that Florida State law prohibits Sumter County from making any movement.

1,200 rentals out of 70,000 (about 2%) hardly seems like an inundation.

Not all 1,200 units are used for one or two day (or less than 31 day) rentals.

A demand for houses, even if only to use as a rental, would seem to drive property values up, not down.

All homeowners pay monthly for amenities whether they live here full-time, part-time, or rent to others.

[JSR22]

Good time to bail for STONECREST ..

Not a chance.

[oldtimes]

Good time to bail for STONECREST ..

Knowing what I know now, if I did decide to move the first question I would ask is do you allow short term rentals and move on if they say yes. We have one in our neighborhood and it is very disruptive if we continue to get more moving may be an option.

[golfing eagles]

There are streets in TV that do not allow rentals, they should make more of them for those that it bothers.

Streets????? STREETS???????

Didn't realize every "street" had its own government with the ability to pass laws and enforce them. Hmmmmm...... I'll have to make a list of "laws" I'd like to make for my street.

[oldtimes]

Streets????? STREETS???????

Didn't realize every "street" had its own government with the ability to pass laws and enforce them. Hmmmmm...... I'll have to make a list of "laws" I'd like to make for my street.

Money talks

[dewilson58]

As an example................

Airbnb shows 30 rentals between 466a & 44 and 70 rentals South of 44.

This includes short-term and long-term rentals.

Doesn't smell like a significant issue for the County to attack.


:shrug:



Checked a number of rental periods in the summer months when most if not are available.

[Bill14564]

Streets????? STREETS???????

Didn't realize every "street" had its own government with the ability to pass laws and enforce them. Hmmmmm...... I'll have to make a list of "laws" I'd like to make for my street.

Each "Unit" has its own deed restrictions. I have seen a deed restriction for one unit that did seem to prohibit rentals. Unfortunately, I can't remember now which one it was.

[golfing eagles]

Money talks

Not like that. Unless it's Rodeo Drive or Fifth Ave. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

Each "Unit" has its own deed restrictions. I have seen a deed restriction for one unit that did seem to prohibit rentals. Unfortunately, I can't remember now which one it was.

That would be nice---in which case I guess each unit could petition their CDD to add such a deed restriction. But I doubt it would be legal to do it retroactively. Also, that's a whole unit and a restriction made by the governing body, the CDD, not a single street, and not made by the homeowners.

[oldtimes]

As an example................

Airbnb shows 30 rentals between 466a & 44 and 70 rentals South of 44.

This includes short-term and long-term rentals.

Doesn't smell like a significant issue for the County to attack.


:shrug:



Checked a number of rental periods in the summer months when most if not are available.

Unless it's in your neighborhood. It is a very big problem in ours, young inconsiderate renters and an absentee owner who doesn't care about the property or the neighbors.

[dewilson58]

Unless it's in your neighborhood. It is a very big problem in ours, young inconsiderate renters and an absentee owner who doesn't care about the property or the neighbors.

If property is not being taking care of..........there are covenants in place already.

I did not see ANY concentration of rentals in ANY area.........Where is your "very big problem"??

:gc:

[Bill14564]

Each "Unit" has its own deed restrictions. I have seen a deed restriction for one unit that did seem to prohibit rentals. Unfortunately, I can't remember now which one it was.

There are at least two areas in CDD12 (not all) that specifically prohibit rentals without prior approval of the Developer.

(I did not check all CDDs or even all Units in CDD12. I found two with the clause and two without and stopped looking)

[oldtimes]

If property is not being taking care of..........there are covenants in place already.

I did not see ANY concentration of rentals in ANY area.........Where is your "very big problem"??

:gc:

It only takes one in a Villa neighborhood to be a nuisance for many. The villas are very close, there are easement issues and parking is limited.

[BrianL99]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

There have been at least 4 threads on this exact topic, started in the last 2 weeks or so.

I guess I'm curious. Why do folks feel the need to start new threads on topics that are under current discussion?

As to STR's. I'm willing to bet, most short-term rentals units in TV don't have the required permit from the State of Florida. Just speculation on my part.

Most of the homes in TV are prohibited by Deed Restriction, from being used for "Business". That's either for the Developer or 3rd Party Beneficiaries to enforce.

The various towns/counties involved TV don't seem to give a hoot about STR's and there are some state restrictions on what they can do about it.

Here are some of the basics:

Everything You Need to Know About Florida Short-Term Rentals Law | iGMS (https://www.igms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-florida-short-term-rentals-law/)

[Pairadocs]

"otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values".....any factual support??


"Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting"....county wide guidelines??????...............good luck with that.

:posting:

Not to be contrary, but honestly, many of us full time residents in our neighborhood of designer home models, are beginning to worry about just how "bad" this will become, and if it will begin to effect property values (right now it seems anything in Florida sells, and especially here in the V's). Of course there is nothing we can do, but we are sad that the folks who come and go in these larger homes almost never speak, have no interest of course in getting to know anyone, they will rent a different home for a week next year, and so on. Don't really want to be a "whiner", but many in our neighborhood are realizing it's depressing. We no longer have that "something special" among neighbors, one put it very well when he said " it's getting like the big city coldness I left years ago". I understand what he meant. I realize there is no answer, things change. Our street was not built for multiple vehicles, often blocking "just" enough of the next home's drive to make it a little stressful to back out, and most of all, just the "atmosphere" of not having any interest in knowing anyone, which of course makes sense when you are only using a home as a base for a week's vacation. The "quiet" part you were trying to understand, I can only explain for our neighborhood, but we've never had traffic and noise, arrivals and departures at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. etc. in all the years since building here. But again, before the hate speech starts, most of us do understand, we've had some of our "originals" pass away, and the commercial people, have scooped up 4 properties on just our block. Just hate to see it happen... out of our hands. An element of this same issue I see as faulty, is the opinion some have expressed that these "in & out" folks don't pay for amenities. SOMEONE always pays, the person who rents out multiple properties still has to pay amenities on EACH property, they can simply build that into the nightly or weekly rates.

[oldtimes]

Not to be contrary, but honestly, many of us full time residents in our neighborhood of designer home models, are beginning to worry about just how "bad" this will become, and if it will begin to effect property values (right now it seems anything in Florida sells, and especially here in the V's). Of course there is nothing we can do, but we are sad that the folks who come and go in these larger homes almost never speak, have no interest of course in getting to know anyone, they will rent a different home for a week next year, and so on. Don't really want to be a "whiner", but many in our neighborhood are realizing it's depressing. We no longer have that "something special" among neighbors, one put it very well when he said " it's getting like the big city coldness I left years ago". I understand what he meant. I realize there is no answer, things change. Our street was not built for multiple vehicles, often blocking "just" enough of the next home's drive to make it a little stressful to back out, and most of all, just the "atmosphere" of not having any interest in knowing anyone, which of course makes sense when you are only using a home as a base for a week's vacation. The "quiet" part you were trying to understand, I can only explain for our neighborhood, but we've never had traffic and noise, arrivals and departures at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. etc. in all the years since building here. But again, before the hate speech starts, most of us do understand, we've had some of our "originals" pass away, and the commercial people, have scooped up 4 properties on just our block. Just hate to see it happen... out of our hands.

The point is The Villages was sold to us as an over 55 retirement community and these short term rentals not only don’t fit that profile but are actually disruptive to it. There are deed restrictions in place but the developer has chosen not to enforce them. It will just continue to get worse.

[Bill14564]

The point is The Villages was sold to us as an over 55 retirement community and these short term rentals not only don’t fit that profile but are actually disruptive to it. There are deed restrictions in place but the developer has chosen not to enforce them. It will just continue to get worse.

The developer is not the only one who can enforce the deed restrictions. If you have read yours and believe you are correct then continue reading to the enforcement section. In mine, the first part of that section says the owners have the right and the duty to prosecute to bring compliance. Exercise your right, perform your duty, and initiate prosecution to stop what you believe to be a deed violation.

[Normal]

You pretty much know from the other thread that there has not been any movement.

It is possible that Florida State law prohibits Sumter County from making any movement.

1,200 rentals out of 70,000 (about 2%) hardly seems like an inundation.

Not all 1,200 units are used for one or two day (or less than 31 day) rentals.

A demand for houses, even if only to use as a rental, would seem to drive property values up, not down.

All homeowners pay monthly for amenities whether they live here full-time, part-time, or rent to others.

Obviously you missed the intent of the thread. I want to get something going like Clearwater has done. I just didn’t want to be redundant with effort before submitting material before the commissioners. Thanks.

[tophcfa]

Bottom line, short term rentals suck when they are in your neighborhood and close to your home. It’s easy to say they aren’t a problem when there not in your neighborhood. We had a woman running an AIRBnB out of her home for a couple years which was extremely disruptive and disrespectful to the neighbors. Fortunately, she has moved out and our neighborhood is back to being peaceful and enjoyable, but I sincerely feel sorry for fellow Villagers who have to deal with a similar situation.

The internal deed restrictions being violated by these rentals are the responsibility of the developer to enforce and they have chosen to look the other way. It’s no wonder why, restricting rentals will reduce demand for new homes since some potential home buyers won’t be able to easily generate income from their home while living there. And as anyone paying attention knows, it’s all about selling homes. Talk about the fox watching the hen house, can you say “conflict of interest”. As far as Sumter County doing something about the situation, don’t hold your breath. The county is basically controlled by the developer, and if they don’t want to address the situation don’t expect the county to act otherwise.

You could bet your bottom dollar that if new home sales dried up because potential buyers strongly communicated they don’t want to risk investing their savings in a community with short term rentals, the problem would be addressed in a heart beat. But as long as new homes are selling faster than they can be built, nothing will change.

[vintageogauge]

Streets????? STREETS???????

Didn't realize every "street" had its own government with the ability to pass laws and enforce them. Hmmmmm...... I'll have to make a list of "laws" I'd like to make for my street.

The deed restrictions were put into place by the developer before the streets even existed, they are no different than any other deed restriction, not laws.

[Sweatman]

There have been at least 4 threads on this exact topic, started in the last 2 weeks or so.

I guess I'm curious. Why do folks feel the need to start new threads on topics that are under current discussion?

As to STR's. I'm willing to bet, most short-term rentals units in TV don't have the required permit from the State of Florida. Just speculation on my part.

Most of the homes in TV are prohibited by Deed Restriction, from being used for "Business". That's either for the Developer or 3rd Party Beneficiaries to enforce.

The various towns/counties involved TV don't seem to give a hoot about STR's and there are some state restrictions on what they can do about it.

Here are some of the basics:

Everything You Need to Know About Florida Short-Term Rentals Law | iGMS (https://www.igms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-florida-short-term-rentals-law/)

Very interesting read. Begs the question, how many of these rentals actually have the required licenses and pay their taxes, or maybe even claim homestead exemptions.

[Packer Fan]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

I have had 2 rentals in the villages - one for 9 years and one for 5. I have NEVER had a complaint from a neighbor. I even ask them when I am down and they all say it is ZERO problem. Now, I don't do less that a month, and I agree the 4 day renters off AirBnB are a different type, which is why I don't rent to them. However, Condemning the whole rental business for the actions of 1 or 2 seems a bit unfair.

Here is my suggestion, instead of trying to get laws passed, why not talk to the landlord about it? You just go on the Sumter county website and find out who the owner is and get in touch with them when there are issues. Seriously, nobody wants to be a bother, they probably don't know. You may be able to get hold of them through the airbnb site also, not sure.

[Babubhat]

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/forms/documents/5025_753.pdf

[oldtimes]

I have had 2 rentals in the villages - one for 9 years and one for 5. I have NEVER had a complaint from a neighbor. I even ask them when I am down and they all say it is ZERO problem. Now, I don't do less that a month, and I agree the 4 day renters off AirBnB are a different type, which is why I don't rent to them. However, Condemning the whole rental business for the actions of 1 or 2 seems a bit unfair.

Here is my suggestion, instead of trying to get laws passed, why not talk to the landlord about it? You just go on the Sumter county website and find out who the owner is and get in touch with them when there are issues. Seriously, nobody wants to be a bother, they probably don't know. You may be able to get hold of them through the airbnb site also, not sure.

No one is talking about regular rentals. These are daily rentals like a hotel. Different people every few days. Could be one person could be 6 or more. Believe me they know.

[Papa_lecki]

The point is The Villages was sold to us as an over 55 retirement community and these short term rentals not only don’t fit that profile but are actually disruptive to it. There are deed restrictions in place but the developer has chosen not to enforce them. It will just continue to get worse.

Are rentals new? Did no one on this thread ever rent for a week? Or did you just buy from a lifestyle visit?

BTW, I would hate to have a short term (a week or less) rental next to me.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

One way to put a "damper" on some of these absentee landlords and short-term rental AirB&B situations is to alert the local tax office. Just let them know, that there is a property owner using their property as a short-term rental property, and possibly not paying their required tourism tax on the rental.

Long-term rentals are not subject to this tax. But short-term rentals absolutely are.

[firefighter4u]

I understand both sides. We just purchased a home, but can not move to TV for 2 more years. Our plan is to rent it through the Villages Property Management for those two years. Then, we'll move down there full time and become wonderful neighbors! lol I believe their shortest term rental is 7 days non prime season. We used to own a condo at Treasure Island. We rented it out and noticed that 2-3 day rentals could be a problem but we loved the 30+ day rentals!! lol

[Velvet]

A demand for houses, even if only to use as a rental, would seem to drive property values up, not down.

Truly you jest, that is not true anywhere in the world. Renters, especially short term renters, have no interest in upkeep of the neighborhood, or being considerate etc. The only people who benefit from renters are the landlords everyone else suffers.

[dewilson58]

It only takes one in a Villa neighborhood to be a nuisance for many. The villas are very close, there are easement issues and parking is limited.

Very difficult for the County to take up an issue which is "one in a villa neighborhood" nuisance. Mostly since TV is less than 75% of Sumter County. Then you have to go to the other counties as well.

[dewilson58]

It would be interesting to see the facts on:

How much "Investor home buying" pushed up the value of homes in TV over the last few years.

How much "Investor owners" and their actions have decreased the value of homes in TV.


:popcorn::popcorn:

[shut the front door]

It's kind of cute seeing the newbies move in and want to change things that have been going on for decades.
Bless your heart.

[Velvet]

It would be interesting to see the facts on:

How much "Investor home buying" pushed up the value of homes in TV over the last few years.

How much "Investor owners" and their actions have decreased the value of homes in TV.


:popcorn::popcorn:

See this is the problem, everyone likes to see their home value go up, but NOT at the cost of their Villages lifestyle - which is what The Villages Developer sells, which is what the short term renter especially, put in jeopardy. And if it was one villa out of the whole group, the neighborhood pool would not filled to the be brim with these people.

[wlasowicz]

I as one have a patio villa which is a rental. As far as I know I have not been told by any of my neighbors of complaint. My place is rented in the season at least 2 to3 months if not more to the same people . In the summer months if there is any rental business are thru Airbnb or VBRO with a minimum of a week Also have at 3 to 4 neighbors who rent us from in the low season for their adult chidden to stay in if they do not have room at their place versus a hotel . I have not done any price compassion lately of rentals like mind but in the past I would see owners rent their places like $40-$45 dollars a night You can't get a best western or comfort inn for probably under a $100. a night So if that's the case I don't to put it this way but the less desirable renter will say why get a hotel room for 100 plus when I can get a house for way less. As for the point about absent landlord I take offense to that I personally come down 1 to 2 times a year to do a top to bottom maintenance of my property to keep close new condition because it is a investment . You overlook how many full residents let their property go done in care.

[Velvet]

What I fail to understand is I thought I bought in a residential area, no commercial/business allowed. How is renting not considered a business?

[oldtimes]

I have not done any price compassion lately of rentals like mind but in the past I would see owners rent their places like $40-$45 dollars a night You can't get a best western or comfort inn for probably under a $100. a night So if that's the case I don't to put it this way but the less desirable renter will say why get a hotel room for 100 plus when I can get a house for way less.

Yes...this is the problem

[Normal]

I have had 2 rentals in the villages - one for 9 years and one for 5. I have NEVER had a complaint from a neighbor. I even ask them when I am down and they all say it is ZERO problem. Now, I don't do less that a month, and I agree the 4 day renters off AirBnB are a different type, which is why I don't rent to them. However, Condemning the whole rental business for the actions of 1 or 2 seems a bit unfair.

Here is my suggestion, instead of trying to get laws passed, why not talk to the landlord about it? You just go on the Sumter county website and find out who the owner is and get in touch with them when there are issues. Seriously, nobody wants to be a bother, they probably don't know. You may be able to get hold of them through the airbnb site also, not sure.

I am talking about short term; like the recent law written for Clearwater. In essence renting for LESS than 31 days. In residential districts, the city doesn’t allow a property owner to lease or rent their property for short-term periods, which is anything less than 31 days or a calendar month. Residential property owners who wish to rent their property can advertise for monthly rentals; they cannot advertise for daily or weekly rentals.

[Bill14564]

Truly you jest, that is not true anywhere in the world. Renters, especially short term renters, have no interest in upkeep of the neighborhood, or being considerate etc. The only people who benefit from renters are the landlords everyone else suffers.

A fixed inventory of houses and an increasing number of buyers leads to higher prices, even if those buyers are wannabe landlords.

[Bill14564]

What I fail to understand is I thought I bought in a residential area, no commercial/business allowed. How is renting not considered a business?

That is probably not what your deed restrictions state. (some do, but not the majority that I have looked at)

[Bill14564]

...

The internal deed restrictions being violated by these rentals are the responsibility of the developer to enforce and they have chosen to look the other way. It’s no wonder why, restricting rentals will reduce demand for new homes since some potential home buyers won’t be able to easily generate income from their home while living there. And as anyone paying attention knows, it’s all about selling homes. Talk about the fox watching the hen house, can you say “conflict of interest”. As far as Sumter County doing something about the situation, don’t hold your breath. The county is basically controlled by the developer, and if they don’t want to address the situation don’t expect the county to act otherwise.

...

Are you sure that is how your deed restrictions read? Mine absolutely do not, mine state the owners have the right and the duty while the developers have the right but NOT the duty to enforce the deed restrictions.

All Owners shall have the right and duty to prosecute in proceedings at law or in equity against any person or persons violating or attempting to violate any covenants, conditions or reservations, either to prevent him or them from so doing, or to recover damages or any property charges for such violation. The cost of such proceedings, includiog a reasonable attorney's fee, shall be paid by the party losing said suit. In addition, the Developer shall also have the right but not the duty to enforce any such covenants, conditions or reservations as though Developer were the Owner of the Homesite, including the right to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Developer may assign its right to enforce these covenants, conditions or reservations and to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs to a person, committee, or governmental entity.

In addition, *some* deed restrictions include the highlighted statement below while mine do not:

Properties within the Subdivision are intended for residential use and no commercial, professional or similar activity requiring either maintaining an inventory, equipment or customer/client visits may be conducted in a Home or on a Homesite. Renting and leasing of Homes within the Subdivision is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Developer. Owners of Homes within the Subdivision may not transfer their rights to those recreational facilities arising from payment of the Contractual Amenities Fee to any party, except to subsequent Owners of the Home, without the prior -written consent of the Developer.

So renting is prohibited in *some* areas but not all and if there is a violation, it is the duty of the homeowner to pursue a legal remedy but NOT the duty of the developer.

[Pairadocs]

The point is The Villages was sold to us as an over 55 retirement community and these short term rentals not only don’t fit that profile but are actually disruptive to it. There are deed restrictions in place but the developer has chosen not to enforce them. It will just continue to get worse.

Family member in a deed restricted, 55 plus, golfing community in another state just sent us (today!) a ream of information on their residents legal attempts to fight the deterioration that short term rental has done to them. For years it was scarcely noticed, then in the last 18-24 months was everywhere. No one dreamed even the houses valued at a million would ever be rented for the night ! Drinking parties, wedding receptions "guests", none of these are exaggerations. Then a tragic death of a spring break vacationer still being investigated. BUT... when it became obvious this was multiplying, not the isolated incident it was a couple years ago, they organized, got petitions, tried to work WITH the local police and county sheriff's office. Bottom line is, almost nothing can be done. Developers are just not interested in any of it, and it not really cutting into profits, despite some bad publicity, they are still selling homes, and a multitude of buyers of properties for the rental market has been brisk. Police keep trying to explain to the resident group, that there is simply nothing they can do except remove an occasional weekend party attendee, but when people complain of their drives blocked, and cars actually resting ON lawns, the police have much higher priorities. When neighbors complained of 12 people in one home, police said they have no jurisdiction for anything like that. This was a 4 BR home, and police have nothing to do with how many people, or what age, are in a house. This definitely not limited too our Villages, and it is definitely accelerating. Those heading the resident's group my relatives are in, are now working with communities all over the USA who have successfully been able to "win", extremely limited rental "rules" in their own communities to follow their steps. It is EXTREMELY expensive, VERY good attorneys needed, and all residents have to be willing to invest the money it takes to change things. Not easy !

[BrianL99]

Truly you jest, that is not true anywhere in the world. Renters, especially short term renters, have no interest in upkeep of the neighborhood, or being considerate etc. The only people who benefit from renters are the landlords everyone else suffers.

You need to revisit Economics 101.

[BrianL99]

Family member in a deed restricted, 55 plus, golfing community in another state just sent us (today!) a ream of information on their residents legal attempts to fight the deterioration that short term rental has done to them. For years it was scarcely noticed, then in the last 18-24 months was everywhere. No one dreamed even the houses valued at a million would ever be rented for the night ! Drinking parties, wedding receptions "guests", none of these are exaggerations. Then a tragic death of a spring break vacationer still being investigated. BUT... when it became obvious this was multiplying, not the isolated incident it was a couple years ago, they organized, got petitions, tried to work WITH the local police and county sheriff's office. Bottom line is, almost nothing can be done. Developers are just not interested in any of it, and it not really cutting into profits, despite some bad publicity, they are still selling homes, and a multitude of buyers of properties for the rental market has been brisk. Police keep trying to explain to the resident group, that there is simply nothing they can do except remove an occasional weekend party attendee, but when people complain of their drives blocked, and cars actually resting ON lawns, the police have much higher priorities. When neighbors complained of 12 people in one home, police said they have no jurisdiction for anything like that. This was a 4 BR home, and police have nothing to do with how many people, or what age, are in a house. This definitely not limited too our Villages, and it is definitely accelerating. Those heading the resident's group my relatives are in, are now working with communities all over the USA who have successfully been able to "win", extremely limited rental "rules" in their own communities to follow their steps. It is EXTREMELY expensive, VERY good attorneys needed, and all residents have to be willing to invest the money it takes to change things. Not easy !


It is going on in cities & towns all over the United States and battle is being won by the Investors and STR owners. It's being won STR supporters, because of the money behind the battle. Restaurants, real estate people, investors, store owners ... they all win if STR's are allowed. The losers are folks that want their neighborhoods to remain "residential", but aren't willing to put their money where their mouth is.

[Velvet]

You need to revisit Economics 101.

Wrote the book, literally, hahaha. Including intangible values etc, beyond 101….

[Pairadocs]

The developer is not the only one who can enforce the deed restrictions. If you have read yours and believe you are correct then continue reading to the enforcement section. In mine, the first part of that section says the owners have the right and the duty to prosecute to bring compliance. Exercise your right, perform your duty, and initiate prosecution to stop what you believe to be a deed violation.

I agree with you...but, here's the "catch 22" if you have not actually gone through the motions to exercise your right, yet. We (as a neighborhood in the general area of Lake Sumter) have not taken that step. I have relatives in another state, in a beautiful 55 golf community, who have had to take a stand... it started as isolated and has progressed to uncontrollable. The developers and the county are of NO help, the local police will help only when they have a legal right to... they can nothing to do with deed restrictions. So you are correct about each of us having a process right in our deed restriction, but if you ever have a need so threatening you need to take those steps, you will have to have a great deal of money to proceed. That's the catch-22 of all this, developers know it, real estate attorneys and agents know it, even state legislatures know it...you CAN fight, but it takes more money than most retirees have. Have you ever read one of those "lemon law" contracts when you buy a new car ? Sure it makes people feel protected, they have the "right", but, when they find out how much time, and MONEY it takes, most can't face it. Those who benefit KNOW this, car companies, credit card companies, banks, and developers !

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=dewilson58;2207692]If property is not being taking care of..........there are covenants in place already.

I did not see ANY concentration of rentals in ANY area.........Where is your "very big problem"??


True, you probably did not SEE any concentration as you are never going to have access to the actual stats. By that I mean, you can go on line, check verbo and ab&b, and just in the "rental" section of the Daily Sun. It can deceive you. One villages employee who owns 6 now in our village (and those are certainly far from the only ones) actually bragged to our neighbor across the street that he has "never" (he says !) ever advertised any of his. Says he's set up all kinds of pipelines to various companies and other sources who are looking for single night and single week rentals for employee rewards (free golf vaca for a top person), for conferences as far away as Tampa and Orlando ! Thought a hotel night would be cheaper, but apparently not, many around $300 a night now and do not come with golf or with affordable steakhouses, I guess ! Just don't stand on what you can find as always indicative of the actual situation is all I mean by this.

[tophcfa]

I did not see ANY concentration of rentals in ANY area.........Where is your "very big problem"??
:gc:

The unfortunate people who have a poorly run short term rental operation close to their home aren’t really concerned about the concentration of rentals in ANY area. What they are concerned with is having the deed restrictions that are supposed to be protecting them from the situation enforced. Anyone, including yourself, who suddenly finds themselves in this situation has a “very big problem” that they didn’t ask for or bring on themselves. It only takes one near your home, no concentration necessary : (

[Raywatkins]

Interesting to see differing views.
One point that is missed is that the state gets 7% of all rentals. Each county can raise additional tax. Sumter charged 2% until a couple of years ago.
I’m guessing Sumter are making enough not to need the money - probably through the Villages expanding.
I don’t see the state giving up this revenue stream. If it did where would they claw it back?
Taking the earlier response at face value, if a moderate number of the 1400 rental homes were to go on the market, house prices would presumably fall. I leave others to decide if that would be greater or smaller than the presence of renters.
Again, if true, there are areas where in the southern part of TV, there has been much speculation, based on rising house prices and rentals.
If this were to stop, where would the developer be? Would they support the stopping of rentals? Again you decide.
Interesting, there have been several past quotes regarding bad neighbours. Not snowbirds or short term renters, full time residents. It’s not what basis you are there it’s about personal behaviour. We then get into all the various threads about other forms of poor manners.
It’s great to have a moan - I know as a grumpy old man. My grandkids even bought me the tee shirt!!

[Vermilion Villager]

As an example................

Airbnb shows 30 rentals between 466a & 44 and 70 rentals South of 44.

This includes short-term and long-term rentals.

Doesn't smell like a significant issue for the County to attack.


:shrug:





Checked a number of rental periods in the summer months when most if not are available.

You actually need to check all the other sites that offer short term rentals to get the true picture.
Another thing to consider is that these rentals are not in every neighborhood. You'll find very few million dollar homes on the golf course is being rented out. From what I'm seeing the vast majority are the smaller less than 1500 square-foot patio villas and Courtyard villas.

[Vermilion Villager]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?
My suggestion would be is talk to one of the county commissioners. One thing that you could suggest to them is put it on a county referendum before the voters. I would all but guarantee if the voters who actually live here as full time voting residents had a say there would be no short term rentals.

[dhdallas]

There are 4 short term rentals within a stones throw of our house and we have never had a problem with any of them for the past 3 years that we have lived here. The landlords pay the amenity fees every month the same as a full-time resident.

[Two Bills]

Possibly the cheapest and most effective way for those in areas badly affected, would be to make up some signs, and spend a few days picnicking outside the sales offices.
If buyers (who are not buying to rent)start asking a few questions about the perceived problem, it may get someones attention.

[rustyp]

My suggestion would be is talk to one of the county commissioners. One thing that you could suggest to them is put it on a county referendum before the voters. I would all but guarantee if the voters who actually live here as full time voting residents had a say there would be no short term rentals.

I would start by contacting the commissioner of district 5.

[ewstanley]

You actually need to check all the other sites that offer short term rentals to get the true picture.
Another thing to consider is that these rentals are not in every neighborhood. You'll find very few million dollar homes on the golf course is being rented out. From what I'm seeing the vast majority are the smaller less than 1500 square-foot patio villas and Courtyard villas.

That is correct! AirBNBs aren't the only rental website.

[dewilson58]

You actually need to check all the other sites

Actually I don't.

As stated, as an example.

:wave:

[dewilson58]

Just don't stand on what you can find as always indicative of the actual situation is all I mean by this.

Not standing, gave an example.

:coolsmiley:

[PersonOfInterest]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

If you get your wish and limit or eliminate Short Term Rentals by some means of law or restriction, How would you expect to enforce it?

[bark4me]

We’ll just surround your house with rentals and you can tell us if life improved or if your property value increased….lol
True that... 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[lpkruege1]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

Just checking if this includes The Villages Properties. It seems to me that they are doing way to many weekly rentals they call Lifestyle stays. I mean Really? These people are constantly coming and going. They definitely are not paying amenities. They get 2 free rounds of golf and choking the executive courses. Taking up space at the town squares, the restaurants, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and on and on. Plus, then a lot of them come back year after year without buying anything. Or even worse yet they Do buy something and sprawl continues. The developers told everyone there would never be anything below 466, I think we need to go back to those days.
Tear it all down.
Stop the progress.
Stop people from moving here from other states. Blue is a bad color anyway. Red is a good color like Wisconsin Bader Red.
Don't worry Be Happy. Life is to short to be worried about things we can't change.

[bark4me]

You pretty much know from the other thread that there has not been any movement.

It is possible that Florida State law prohibits Sumter County from making any movement.

1,200 rentals out of 70,000 (about 2%) hardly seems like an inundation.

Not all 1,200 units are used for one or two day (or less than 31 day) rentals.

A demand for houses, even if only to use as a rental, would seem to drive property values up, not down.

All homeowners pay monthly for amenities whether they live here full-time, part-time, or rent to others.
In one section of Villas in Richmond, all are short term rentals except for 1 home!

[LonnyP]

I prefer to look at it as there are landlords providing a service to those that want to come visit our beautiful community but cannot afford to buy or want to buy. I have not seen the values go down.

[Ele201]

Are you sure that is how your deed restrictions read? Mine absolutely do not, mine state the owners have the right and the duty while the developers have the right but NOT the duty to enforce the deed restrictions.

All Owners shall have the right and duty to prosecute in proceedings at law or in equity against any person or persons violating or attempting to violate any covenants, conditions or reservations, either to prevent him or them from so doing, or to recover damages or any property charges for such violation. The cost of such proceedings, includiog a reasonable attorney's fee, shall be paid by the party losing said suit. In addition, the Developer shall also have the right but not the duty to enforce any such covenants, conditions or reservations as though Developer were the Owner of the Homesite, including the right to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Developer may assign its right to enforce these covenants, conditions or reservations and to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs to a person, committee, or governmental entity.

In addition, *some* deed restrictions include the highlighted statement below while mine do not:

Properties within the Subdivision are intended for residential use and no commercial, professional or similar activity requiring either maintaining an inventory, equipment or customer/client visits may be conducted in a Home or on a Homesite. Renting and leasing of Homes within the Subdivision is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Developer. Owners of Homes within the Subdivision may not transfer their rights to those recreational facilities arising from payment of the Contractual Amenities Fee to any party, except to subsequent Owners of the Home, without the prior -written consent of the Developer.

So renting is prohibited in *some* areas but not all and if there is a violation, it is the duty of the homeowner to a legal remedy but NOT the duty of the developer.
To which I’d add, suing your neighbor over a “deed restriction “ would be most unpleasant and a hassle. Guess The Villages may not be the Friendliest Hometown in America after all.

[Papa_lecki]

I prefer to look at it as there are landlords providing a service to those that want to come visit our beautiful community but cannot afford to buy or want to buy. I have not seen the values go down.

How many renters turn into owners?

[Normal]

If you get your wish and limit or eliminate Short Term Rentals by some means of law or restriction, How would you expect to enforce it?

Clearwater fines owners 250 a day for listings. V R B O and AbNb are listed publicly. It just takes neighbors to turn someone in. The fines more than pay for any investigation services.

[Dlbonivich]

Why not go to the District Representatives and ask them to change the Deed Restrictions. As owners we control our Districts. They are elected to represent us. Try that route. I say a petition to your District leadership. That is how condos control rentals at the beach

[Velvet]

Just checking if this includes The Villages Properties. It seems to me that they are doing way to many weekly rentals they call Lifestyle stays. I mean Really? These people are constantly coming and going. They definitely are not paying amenities. They get 2 free rounds of golf and choking the executive courses. Taking up space at the town squares, the restaurants, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and on and on. Plus, then a lot of them come back year after year without buying anything. Or even worse yet they Do buy something and sprawl continues. The developers told everyone there would never be anything below 466, I think we need to go back to those days.
Tear it all down.
Stop the progress.
Stop people from moving here from other states. Blue is a bad color anyway. Red is a good color like Wisconsin Bader Red.
Don't worry Be Happy. Life is to short to be worried about things we can't change.

Are you trying to compare official Lifestyle visits by people who PLAN to buy in TV to live that lifestyle; to short term renters using TV facilities any way they want because they’re not going to be around next week?
And, are you saying ‘we can’t change’ things that we should adopt the attitude of ‘learned helplessness’ ? Have you noticed we are not in North Korea?

[Veracity]

Obviously you missed the intent of the thread. I want to get something going like Clearwater has done. I just didn’t want to be redundant with effort before submitting material before the commissioners. Thanks.

Just a suggestion...Before taking a lot of time and effort to submit material before the county commissioners, call the county administrator and discuss your concerns with him. Ask him if the county commissioners have the "legal" ability to address the issue. You will get a lot of information from that simple discussion and it will guide your direction as to whether to proceed with a request to the commission and what information you need to include in your presentation to them. Good luck. You will have the best outcome if you are prepared with the facts and utilizing the county administrator's expertise is an essential step.

[Bilyclub]

Good time to bail for STONECREST ..


Bye-bye.

[JMintzer]

What I fail to understand is I thought I bought in a residential area, no commercial/business allowed. How is renting not considered a business?

You can run a business from your home. Many work on-line from home.

The rules deal with things like keeping inventory and selling items from your home...

People who have side gigs (like adding/replacing lights to golf carts) have always been allowed...

I had some locks upgraded by a Villager who was a retire locksmith.

[PugMom]

again, i must be the lone lucky person in TV. i live next to a short term rental, & i gotta say, i haven't met any negative people yet. be friendly-if something isn't right, or they are careless about the property, go ahead & introduce urself. kindly inform so&so about any concerns, & more often than not you'll have no problems. we got along so well with a family of renters, they reserved the villa for next winter! they claimed they'd not met such good people in our Village before, they decided to come back. it's that old saying about flies & honey. give it a try.

[JMintzer]

Just checking if this includes The Villages Properties. It seems to me that they are doing way to many weekly rentals they call Lifestyle stays. I mean Really? These people are constantly coming and going. They definitely are not paying amenities. They get 2 free rounds of golf and choking the executive courses. Taking up space at the town squares, the restaurants, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and on and on. Plus, then a lot of them come back year after year without buying anything. Or even worse yet they Do buy something and sprawl continues. The developers told everyone there would never be anything below 466, I think we need to go back to those days.
Tear it all down.
Stop the progress.
Stop people from moving here from other states. Blue is a bad color anyway. Red is a good color like Wisconsin Bader Red.
Don't worry Be Happy. Life is to short to be worried about things we can't change.

Hmmm...

Politics? Check!

I got mine, screw everyone else? Check!

Destroy your own argument with your last two sentences? Check!

[JMintzer]

How many renters turn into owners?

https://media3.giphy.com/media/Awuqdc4Rj6MbS/giphy.gif

We rented for two months 2+ years ago (after visiting friends the year before). We bought during the time we were renting...

[tophcfa]

I prefer to look at it as there are landlords providing a service to those that want to come visit our beautiful community but cannot afford to buy or want to buy. I have not seen the values go down.

You are describing long term rentals, by responsible landlords, who are not renting out rooms in their homes while living there. That’s not what this thread is about. It’s about homeowners renting out rooms in their home by the night while they are living there simultaneously. These so called landlords are being inconsiderate and disrespectful to their neighbors.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Just checking if this includes The Villages Properties. It seems to me that they are doing way to many weekly rentals they call Lifestyle stays. I mean Really? These people are constantly coming and going. They definitely are not paying amenities. They get 2 free rounds of golf and choking the executive courses. Taking up space at the town squares, the restaurants, pickleball courts, swimming pools, and on and on. Plus, then a lot of them come back year after year without buying anything. Or even worse yet they Do buy something and sprawl continues. The developers told everyone there would never be anything below 466, I think we need to go back to those days.
Tear it all down.
Stop the progress.
Stop people from moving here from other states. Blue is a bad color anyway. Red is a good color like Wisconsin Bader Red.
Don't worry Be Happy. Life is too short to be worried about things we can't change.And you have been here how long ??

[Jcicales]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?
Just a question- did you ever rent prior to buying? I’m guessing 80% or more do.
We did for years!!!!! You cannot control what has been going on for years!!!! and adds so much money to the community as well. I understand the AIRBNB is a bit out of hand but that’s up to the family to change- correct?

[oldtimes]

again, i must be the lone lucky person in TV. i live next to a short term rental, & i gotta say, i haven't met any negative people yet. be friendly-if something isn't right, or they are careless about the property, go ahead & introduce urself. kindly inform so&so about any concerns, & more often than not you'll have no problems. we got along so well with a family of renters, they reserved the villa for next winter! they claimed they'd not met such good people in our Village before, they decided to come back. it's that old saying about flies & honey. give it a try.

Are they renting it out for 40 a night to up to 6 twenty five year olds? Because that’s what I’m talking about.

[tophcfa]

Are they renting it out for 40 a night to up to 6 twenty five year olds? Because that’s what I’m talking about.

That sounds like what we had. And each of them had their own car or truck, two of which were parked on our front lawn crushing sprinkler heads. They also enjoyed sitting outside in the birdcage drinking, playing loud music, and making lots of annoying noise until the wee hours of the morning and drove around our normally quiet residential neighborhood at about 50 MPH. If it only lasted for a couple days it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but it was a revolving door of different idiots with an occasional couple days off before the next batch of morons showed up. Thank god the woman running that horrible operation moved out.

[CandJ]

So we have rented over 30 times in TV because I am still working but can’t afford to have 2 homes. We have always been invited back to the homes we’ve rented because of how we take care of them and respect the fact that we’re a guest in someone else’s home. We always pay for the resident passes each visit so that helps to cover the amenities we may or may not use. More and more on here I’m seeing posts that are very unwelcoming to visitors and even renters or owners who don’t live there full-time. This is where I would love to live but just not possible at this time. We are very friendly people who love interacting with others but sometimes it’s obvious to us that the neighbors near where we rent aren’t interested in even conversing. Sort of disappointing. We’re not there to ruin your values or anything else. We’re just people who are very happy when we visit TV. It is a special place. Hoping the inhospitable attitudes don’t become the norm. We’ll be there May 27-June 7 so we hope it’s not too much for the OP and some of the others who are negative toward us as visitors

[vintageogauge]

I think it would be easier if Clearwater Beach would just start allowing short term rentals.

[rjm1cc]

The policy of the community on rentals should be one of your considerations when you buy.

[Normal]

So we have rented over 30 times in TV because I am still working but can’t afford to have 2 homes. We have always been invited back to the homes we’ve rented because of how we take care of them and respect the fact that we’re a guest in someone else’s home. We always pay for the resident passes each visit so that helps to cover the amenities we may or may not use. More and more on here I’m seeing posts that are very unwelcoming to visitors and even renters or owners who don’t live there full-time. This is where I would love to live but just not possible at this time. We are very friendly people who love interacting with others but sometimes it’s obvious to us that the neighbors near where we rent aren’t interested in even conversing. Sort of disappointing. We’re not there to ruin your values or anything else. We’re just people who are very happy when we visit TV. It is a special place. Hoping the inhospitable attitudes don’t become the norm. We’ll be there May 27-June 7 so we hope it’s not too much for the OP and some of the others who are negative toward us as visitors

It’s too bad you are the anomaly. The main issue is of course STRs (short term rentals) that rent for under 31 days. I understand you do (ie. 11 days). It isn’t about hostility, it’s about following community standards for those of us who have made the jump to maintaining a full time household down here. Perhaps when you sink money into your permanent retirement address, pay almost 10k in property taxes, and cover all other bills, you may think differently about the revolving door next to your new home? There is the Brownwood hotel etc. Of course, STRs will cut into the bottom line of the new Villages hotel in Middleton. This could forward some decision enforcement also? Every bit will help.

[dewilson58]

So we have rented over 30 times in TV because I am still working but can’t afford to have 2 homes.

More and more on here I’m seeing posts that are very unwelcoming to visitors and even renters or owners who don’t live there full-time.

You are more than welcome in TV.
A majority of the full-timers love snows and monthly renters and short-term renters.
There is always a handful of whiners on this site.

There are a few "bad" renters, but that does not label all renters.

Keep coming, Keep enjoying, the whiners are not normal.......jus one normal. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bogie Shooter]

Just a question- did you ever rent prior to buying? I’m guessing 80% or more do.
We did for years!!!!! You cannot control what has been going on for years!!!! and adds so much money to the community as well. I understand the AIRBNB is a bit out of hand but that’s up to the family to change- correct?

Who is the family?

[Bogie Shooter]

You are more than welcome in TV.
A majority of the full-timers love snows and monthly renters and short-term renters.
There is always a handful of whiners on this site.

There are a few "bad" renters, but that does not label all renters.

Keep coming, Keep enjoying, the whiners are not normal.......jus one normal. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

I second that.😎

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Interesting to see differing views.
One point that is missed is that the state gets 7% of all rentals. Each county can raise additional tax. Sumter charged 2% until a couple of years ago.
I’m guessing Sumter are making enough not to need the money - probably through the Villages expanding.
I don’t see the state giving up this revenue stream. If it did where would they claw it back?
Taking the earlier response at face value, if a moderate number of the 1400 rental homes were to go on the market, house prices would presumably fall. I leave others to decide if that would be greater or smaller than the presence of renters.
Again, if true, there are areas where in the southern part of TV, there has been much speculation, based on rising house prices and rentals.
If this were to stop, where would the developer be? Would they support the stopping of rentals? Again you decide.
Interesting, there have been several past quotes regarding bad neighbours. Not snowbirds or short term renters, full time residents. It’s not what basis you are there it’s about personal behaviour. We then get into all the various threads about other forms of poor manners.
It’s great to have a moan - I know as a grumpy old man. My grandkids even bought me the tee shirt!!

You are incorrect. The 6% (not 7%) is collected by the state ONLY if the landlord tells the government that he's a landlord, and renting his property. If he doesn't tell them, then he gets away with not paying the tax. There is also a 1% county tourism tax for both Sumter and Lake Counties. Marion county rentals incur a 4% county tourism tax, making the total a 10% tax paid by the landlord to the state/county.

It also applies only to short-term rentals of less than 6 months. There are exceptions but none of them apply in the Villages (military personnel on active duty, for instance).

[oldtimes]

I second that.😎

So basically as long as it doesn't personally affect you it's fine.

[MsPCGenius]

Seems like a simply solution (albeit slow and long term)... report the address of the STR homes causing issues to the tax commissioner's office. If the fact that they are not paying the appropriate taxes comes to light, it might help to curb the offering of that property as an STR.

[Bilyclub]

You are incorrect. The 6% (not 7%) is collected by the state ONLY if the landlord tells the government that he's a landlord, and renting his property. If he doesn't tell them, then he gets away with not paying the tax. There is also a 1% county tourism tax for both Sumter and Lake Counties. Marion county rentals incur a 4% county tourism tax, making the total a 10% tax paid by the landlord to the state/county.

It also applies only to short-term rentals of less than 6 months. There are exceptions but none of them apply in the Villages (military personnel on active duty, for instance).

Wildwood Commissioner Joe Elliott suggested Tuesday night that Sumter County bring back a 2-percent tourism tax that was abolished in 2020.

[Escape Artist]

For those renters who see some of the comments as an attack on them personally, it’s been specifically mentioned the problems stems from unruly, loud, obnoxious short terms renters some of who are not 55 and who are more interested in using The Villages as base for their other excursions or to use the copious amount of amenities and recreation at extremely low prices ($50).

In the past several years as the Florida real estate market heated up but home prices were still comparatively low, investors and others bought homes as a source of revenue and income. Some took money from their retirement accounts to buy homes in Florida seeing it as a better investment and return. While perhaps a shrewd business move, it has detracted from the ambience and lifestyle many moved to TV to enjoy.

Instead of trying to get counties or the developers to act on deed restrictions I think it would be easier and more clever to heavily tax rental owners with all kinds of fees and surcharges that would make it prohibitively expensive to rent out homes short term.

[Bogie Shooter]

So basically as long as it doesn't personally affect you it's fine.

How do you know……..?

[dewilson58]

So basically as long as it doesn't personally affect you it's fine.

He seconded a post that stated a renter, who has rented 30 times, is more than welcome to continue coming to TV and the same renter was feeling unwelcomed by the posts of a FEW posters.

It had nothing to do with "personally affect you".

:ho:

[Oceancouple]

No short term rentals I agree. If you do have a problem with your neighbors having short term rentals, check with the tax office, see if they claim homeowners reductions.

[dewilson58]

No short term rentals I agree. If you do have a problem with your neighbors having short term rentals, check with the tax office, see if they claim homeowners reductions.

If you are talking homestead exemption.............you can rent and claim the exemption with certain limitations.

:crap2:

[Velvet]

So we have rented over 30 times in TV because I am still working but can’t afford to have 2 homes. We have always been invited back to the homes we’ve rented because of how we take care of them and respect the fact that we’re a guest in someone else’s home. We always pay for the resident passes each visit so that helps to cover the amenities we may or may not use. More and more on here I’m seeing posts that are very unwelcoming to visitors and even renters or owners who don’t live there full-time. This is where I would love to live but just not possible at this time. We are very friendly people who love interacting with others but sometimes it’s obvious to us that the neighbors near where we rent aren’t interested in even conversing. Sort of disappointing. We’re not there to ruin your values or anything else. We’re just people who are very happy when we visit TV. It is a special place. Hoping the inhospitable attitudes don’t become the norm. We’ll be there May 27-June 7 so we hope it’s not too much for the OP and some of the others who are negative toward us as visitors
I bet you don’t stay up all night drinking and listening to loud music and invite 6 of your best friends to share the accommodations with you - and that is why you are welcome. In general it is so nice to meet people who come from all over, with interesting stories to share. But, about those misfits; I can guarantee that the hostility towards those who will take advantage and abuse the welcoming nature of the Villages will increase as more and more of them come.

[Bwanajim]

Our house in the keys was restricted to one-month rental’s only. No matter how small the amount of VRBO’s or air B&Bs are here, if it’s next to your house, it sucks.

[rogerk]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?
Do you really want the government, The Villages is in 3 counties, or the CDD governments, telling you what you can or cannot do in your home? I don’t! Short term rentals, days not weeks or months, is something that should be discussed with your CDD board.

[Djean1981]

The short term rentals are essentially a hotel (a business). So, it shouldn't be permitted in the residental-zoned neighborhoods.

[Ele201]

Who is the family?
I’m assuming “the family” refers to the developers of The Villages. Because TV was started by and continues to be operated by the second (or could be the third) generation.

[dnobles]

We have short term renters next to us and we don’t even know they are there. They don’t bother us.

[Miekies]

Knowing what I know now, if I did decide to move the first question I would ask is do you allow short term rentals and move on if they say yes. We have one in our neighborhood and it is very disruptive if we continue to get more moving may be an option.

Curious how 1 rental on the street is very disruptive to the street. What is happening that is causing so many problems?

[oldtimes]

Curious how 1 rental on the street is very disruptive to the street. What is happening that is causing so many problems?

It’s a Villa neighborhood. The houses are very close there are easement issues and no parking. I am done arguing about it. Obviously it is a non issue for anyone who has not yet been affected.

[Dantes]

Lawsuit

[Velvet]

It’s a Villa neighborhood. The houses are very close there are easement issues and no parking. I am done arguing about it. Obviously it is a non issue for anyone who has not yet been affected.

They are just trying to a) play ignorant about the issue, or b) justifying it.

[GizmoWhiskers]

It’s a Villa neighborhood. The houses are very close there are easement issues and no parking. I am done arguing about it. Obviously it is a non issue for anyone who has not yet been affected.
100% percent correct. In an organized, "selfishless" society, one person's rights end where another person's rights begin.

[Philipd411]

Have steps been taken to move forward an agenda to limit short term rentals in Sumter County or the residential neighborhoods of the Villages?

Air BnBs and VRBOs have inundated the housing community of The Villages, Florida. Currently there are 1,200 units utilized in this capacity. Two and three day temporary renters come and go in otherwise quiet neighborhoods degrading property values and use facilities that others pay for monthly and for the longer haul in expenses.


Sumter County should mirror nearby Clearwater Beach guidelines for renting. The city does not allow short-term rentals in residentially zoned districts. This means that residential property owners cannot lease or rent out their properties for less than 31 days or one calendar month. While residential properties can be advertised as monthly rentals, they cannot be advertised for daily or weekly rentals.


Residents involved pay amenities and additional long term costs to live in a gated community atmosphere for two person occupancy.

Are there petitions? Is county government involved yet? If not, does anyone have ideas to move the county forward towards compliance of the majority of voters needs?

I don't think this is as big of an issue as you have made it out to be.

1,200 homes out of 80,000 is an insignificant number.

[Cybersprings]

It’s too bad you are the anomaly. The main issue is of course STRs (short term rentals) that rent for under 31 days. I understand you do (ie. 11 days). It isn’t about hostility, it’s about following community standards for those of us who have made the jump to maintaining a full time household down here.

I am just curious, do you think it is in the DNA of someone who would rent for 30 days and not 31 that makes them so noisy and inconsiderate? Or do you think someone who normally rents for 31 days or more just behaves differently when they rent in February for only 28 days?

[Cybersprings]

Along the same lines of any progress in this area, does anyone know if there has been any progress in outlawing dogs in the squares so that my experience for entertainment and the farmers market would be better? Or not allowing dogs to live in the villages? I was promised a heavenly lifestyle in the villages, and it is greatly reduced by having dogs at the table next to me at the restaurants, or barking at the other dogs at the square, or doing their business on the sidewalk and being left there by the owner (brownwood about 3 weeks ago) or the permanent resident next to me who allows their dog out without a leash to do his business in the circle landscaping in front of our house or sometimes in my yard. My experience is greatly reduced by knowing that every place I walk in the grass or stand off the sidewalk at the square to let people pass by me that I am standing in a dog latrine. I hate knowing that everytime I go to the grocery store and put food in my cart that there is a good chance that someone has had their dog in it just before me. Or has there been any progress on outlawing the year round residents who go to the adult pools and talk so loudly with others non-stop for hours while I am just trying to relax at the pool and I really don't care about all the stuff they are telling someone else loudly? Or has there been any progress on outlawing year-round residents from having parties at their house (but only those I am not invited to) where they are loudly enjoying themselves outside and cars are parked in front of my house . On a similar note, does someone know if it is cheaper or easier to replace a sprinkler head broken by a year round resident who parked on my lawn at the party of another year round resident than those that are broken by a short term renter? Thanks for any info you have on the progress made in the areas that lower my home experience in the villages (and reduce demand by others who don't want to experience them) because of year round residents.

[dewilson58]

Along the same lines of any progress in this area, does anyone know if there has been any progress in outlawing dogs in the squares so that my experience for entertainment and the farmers market would be better? Or not allowing dogs to live in the villages? I was promised a heavenly lifestyle in the villages, and it is greatly reduced by having dogs at the table next to me at the restaurants, or barking at the other dogs at the square, or doing their business on the sidewalk and being left there by the owner (brownwood about 3 weeks ago) or the permanent resident next to me who allows their dog out without a leash to do his business in the circle landscaping in front of our house or sometimes in my yard. My experience is greatly reduced by knowing that every place I walk in the grass or stand off the sidewalk at the square to let people pass by me that I am standing in a dog latrine. I hate knowing that everytime I go to the grocery store and put food in my cart that there is a good chance that someone has had their dog in it just before me. Or has there been any progress on outlawing the year round residents who go to the adult pools and talk so loudly with others non-stop for hours while I am just trying to relax at the pool and I really don't care about all the stuff they are telling someone else loudly? Or has there been any progress on outlawing year-round residents from having parties at their house (but only those I am not invited to) where they are loudly enjoying themselves outside and cars are parked in front of my house . On a similar note, does someone know if it is cheaper or easier to replace a sprinkler head broken by a year round resident who parked on my lawn at the party of another year round resident than those that are broken by a short term renter? Thanks for any info you have on the progress made in the areas that lower my home experience in the villages (and reduce demand by others who don't want to experience them) because of year round residents.

Looks you have a lot of issues / questions unrelated to rentals and should start many, many, many new threads.

:BigApplause:

[Velvet]

I don't think this is as big of an issue as you have made it out to be.

1,200 homes out of 80,000 is an insignificant number.

It was sure NOT insignificant when several days in a row I could not get even a chair in my neighborhood pool because of the number of people under 40 crowding everyone out!

[Velvet]

Looks you have a lot of issues / questions unrelated to rentals and should start many, many, many new threads.

:BigApplause:

Yes, this issue of renters is a thorn in the side - don’t expect (not you personally) to be able to sweep it under the rug (with fly by your pants numbers).

[Bill14564]

It was sure NOT insignificant when several days in a row I could not get even a chair in my neighborhood pool because of the number of people under 40 crowding everyone out!

Neighborhood pool meaning adult pool where under 30 is not allowed?

You can ID someone as being between 30 and 40? Did you call anyone to suggest there were people using the pool who did not have Villages IDs or Guest Passes?

[Velvet]

Neighborhood pool meaning adult pool where under 30 is not allowed?

You can ID someone as being between 30 and 40? Did you call anyone to suggest there were people using the pool who did not have Villages IDs or Guest Passes?

Yeah, More or less I can. I taught grad school for a time. But does it matter really if they were 40 or 41? Or even 42? Huh? The thing is you’re trying to turn the topic away from the fact that the pools are not made to handle such an influx of numbers and they never had to in the past. So what’s changed? I regularly talk to people in the pool - there were several times - when I could get in, I was the ONLY resident.

[Philipd411]

It was sure NOT insignificant when several days in a row I could not get even a chair in my neighborhood pool because of the number of people under 40 crowding everyone out!

So these 1200 houses must be just in your area they prevent you from getting a chair at your pool. I am betting they were kids or grandkids visiting for spring break.

But the only people I could see renting for a few days or up to a week or two are people visiting residents here in the villages. Most tourist destinations are an hour or two away. Who would come here to just be around old people? My 32-year-old son has come to visit and stayed for a week or two at times. My 42-year-old son, wife, and 2 kids have not. But we have a three bed room house so they could if they wanted to visit. it is just easier for us to go there.

[Normal]

I don't think this is as big of an issue as you have made it out to be.

1,200 homes out of 80,000 is an insignificant number.

It’s not a big issue, because revolving hotel room renters in your neighborhood have parked next to you YET. I’m sure it’s what you paid for…..

NOT

[Rainger99]

What is the worst example of bad behavior by the STR crowd?

We have several STRs in my area and I have never had a problem. Most of them are decent, quiet people who can't afford to stay in a hotel at Disney World. They usually leave early in the morning and come home in the evening.

If it were all spring breakers going to Daytona Beach or college kids having a bachelor's party, it would be a different crowd and I can imagine there would be problems.

[Cybersprings]

Looks you have a lot of issues / questions unrelated to rentals and should start many, many, many new threads.

:BigApplause:

I always find myself upvoting your posts, so I think we are generally on the same page, and I am guessing that from the big applause that you were able to see through my specific issues not having anything to do with rentals, and my interjected sarcasm questions that my point is (which I think I see you making also) that not all problems are cause by renters/snow birds and that we don't need to outlaw everything that you (proverbial you, not you you) don't happen to do or like.

[Velvet]

I always find myself upvoting your posts, so I think we are generally on the same page, and I am guessing that from the big applause that you were able to see through my specific issues not having anything to do with rentals, and my interjected sarcasm questions that my point is (which I think I see you making also) that not all problems are cause by renters/snow birds and that we don't need to outlaw everything that you (proverbial you, not you you) don't happen to do or like.

Again, obfuscating… do you think then this topic will go away by saying, we have many other issues also?

[Pairadocs]

We’ll just surround your house with rentals and you can tell us if life improved or if your property value increased….lol

I certainly agree, my concern and amazement is only how many people post on here without having any understanding of how a development like this differs from a "town, city" (municipality), how many have no idea how our retail and recreational "areas" differ from legal zoning areas as they knew them form where ever they came from ? Also, so many seem to totally misunderstand that officers of the sheriff department of their county, do not, CAN NOT, legally enforce "covenants". The Villages USED to hold class for new residents on HOW their new "government" works; that their is not mayor, that they do not have a city council, a zoning board, the country (3 different ones at present in the villages development) and the state's existing "laws" have to be followed. It's not just here, I truly feel people just do not get the basic instruction in government and civics they will need to know how to proceed in issues like this in their adult life ! I also wonder just how many people are so taken by "livin the life" that they just start signing documents and have no idea what they are agreeing to ? ? Like those who complain constantly how much they pay in amenity fees for a private GATED community... LOL ! Better said, they PAY for a community that has gates that give a pretty appearance, with flowers, and little "ambassador" houses to help people find directions, NOT to determine who can enter and who can't...LOL... but some always seem to think they should ! ?
All this said, I do AGREE the STR's (short term rentals like AB&B with 43 million rentals, Home-Away, etc. ARE a growing problem not only in the Villages but all over the world. Trouble is, very few understand what it takes to stop this legally, IF at all possible. It can be done, you can find examples of the process on line. A long and expensive task.

[Pairadocs]

If you are talking homestead exemption.............you can rent and claim the exemption with certain limitations.

:crap2:

True ! "with certain limitations". So many seem to just enjoy (?) spouting off on "social" sites with just anything that "pops" into their heads, to me it seems not only does our development need to go back to the "old days" when residents could not be forced but were STRONGLY encouraged to go to classes so they understood how their new home's governmental structure works. So much misunderstanding of process, enforcement, etc. it's beginning to be mass confusion.

[Luisa]

We rented out first month in the Villages. It was September and I’m sure there were many empty houses and rentals. It gave the owners some extra income to pay their amenity fees, lawn maintenance, irrigation, taxes, etc.
while the house was not in use. The house was very well taken care of.
We also rent our house in California on Airbnb for 3 months a year. That extra income while the house is not in use is very helpful to us. We keep the house in even better shape when we rent it because owners, as well as renters,
are rated on their experience.
I only know of one house in my neighborhood in TV that is a rental and I’m
unaware of any problems.
I owned a rental elsewhere for 14 years. The income from that rental helped us to be able to live TV. If certain people have large comes from other sources, I’m not sure they should hold it against others for earning income or supplementing their income while providing a service to others.

[Luisa]

I certainly agree, my concern and amazement is only how many people post on here without having any understanding of how a development like this differs from a "town, city" (municipality), how many have no idea how our retail and recreational "areas" differ from legal zoning areas as they knew them form where ever they came from ? Also, so many seem to totally misunderstand that officers of the sheriff department of their county, do not, CAN NOT, legally enforce "covenants". The Villages USED to hold class for new residents on HOW their new "government" works; that their is not mayor, that they do not have a city council, a zoning board, the country (3 different ones at present in the villages development) and the state's existing "laws" have to be followed. It's not just here, I truly feel people just do not get the basic instruction in government and civics they will need to know how to proceed in issues like this in their adult life ! I also wonder just how many people are so taken by "livin the life" that they just start signing documents and have no idea what they are agreeing to ? ? Like those who complain constantly how much they pay in amenity fees for a private GATED community... LOL ! Better said, they PAY for a community that has gates that give a pretty appearance, with flowers, and little "ambassador" houses to help people find directions, NOT to determine who can enter and who can't...LOL... but some always seem to think they should ! ?
All this said, I do AGREE the STR's (short term rentals like AB&B with 43 million rentals, Home-Away, etc. ARE a growing problem not only in the Villages but all over the world. Trouble is, very few understand what it takes to stop this legally, IF at all possible. It can be done, you can find examples of the process on line. A long and expensive task.
I love the idea of Airbnb. Obviously others love it also, since it is all around the world and very successful. I have been a renter and rented out my own home. Renting an Airbnb home is much more comfortable than staying in a hotel and you get a lot more for your money. It is fun to rent out my house on Airbnb because I like fixing it up, making it cute and comfortable, and little extras to make my guests happy. With that said my house is one and half hours from the wine country in California. Anyone interested?

[Luisa]

Family member in a deed restricted, 55 plus, golfing community in another state just sent us (today!) a ream of information on their residents legal attempts to fight the deterioration that short term rental has done to them. For years it was scarcely noticed, then in the last 18-24 months was everywhere. No one dreamed even the houses valued at a million would ever be rented for the night ! Drinking parties, wedding receptions "guests", none of these are exaggerations. Then a tragic death of a spring break vacationer still being investigated. BUT... when it became obvious this was multiplying, not the isolated incident it was a couple years ago, they organized, got petitions, tried to work WITH the local police and county sheriff's office. Bottom line is, almost nothing can be done. Developers are just not interested in any of it, and it not really cutting into profits, despite some bad publicity, they are still selling homes, and a multitude of buyers of properties for the rental market has been brisk. Police keep trying to explain to the resident group, that there is simply nothing they can do except remove an occasional weekend party attendee, but when people complain of their drives blocked, and cars actually resting ON lawns, the police have much higher priorities. When neighbors complained of 12 people in one home, police said they have no jurisdiction for anything like that. This was a 4 BR home, and police have nothing to do with how many people, or what age, are in a house. This definitely not limited too our Villages, and it is definitely accelerating. Those heading the resident's group my relatives are in, are now working with communities all over the USA who have successfully been able to "win", extremely limited rental "rules" in their own communities to follow their steps. It is EXTREMELY expensive, VERY good attorneys needed, and all residents have to be willing to invest the money it takes to change things. Not easy !
Nobody blocking driveways or parking on lawns in TV.

[Papa_lecki]

Let’s queue the posts,

after we outlaw rentals, and 20% of the the houses are vacant for 8 months, (I am making that number up)


Greens fees increase by 25%
Restaurants close due to fewer customers
County taxes increase because no one is paying the 1% rental tax

[Pairadocs]

I bet you don’t stay up all night drinking and listening to loud music and invite 6 of your best friends to share the accommodations with you - and that is why you are welcome. In general it is so nice to meet people who come from all over, with interesting stories to share. But, about those misfits; I can guarantee that the hostility towards those who will take advantage and abuse the welcoming nature of the Villages will increase as more and more of them come.

Increase for certain, it's been increasing exponentially for maybe 5 years, unnoticeable at first. Some will disagree, say it's always been a "problem" but we've had seasonal residents for YEARS without any uproar, rather owners or renters. It's the 2008 (?) appearance of a network of short term rentals all over the world that propelled this "problem" for cities, towns, developments... it hit all without a legal structure to support this new "concept". Traditional STATE statures simply did not cover all the possible "situations", "traditional" seasonal rentals were never a problem ... many keep in touch with permanent residents and looked forward to seeing them again. That is definitely not happening with the one and two night people. The two "in and outs" in our neighborhood of homes in the $350K to $750K range, have occupants who never even speak to residents here or make any effort to be even nod or smile when we (neighbors) attempt to greet them. I understand, they just want to jump in their car, or the golf-cart included in the rent, and go. I dislike this, but no not spend a great deal of time ranting about it in social situations since I have no solutions to offer !

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I just found out why one of the houses in our neighborhood looks like crap, now that it's been sold, and why one of my neighbors is thinking about moving. Turns out - the person who bought the house - is living in it. But she sectioned off her living room and is renting it BY THE NIGHT to whoever answers an ad in an Orlando newspaper, for only $50/night.

She parked her car blocking one neighbor's driveway a couple of times. And another time she parked IN a neighbor's driveway. And no she didn't have permission - the neighbor comes home from work at lunch time every day and wasn't able to park in her own driveway because the other person had their car in it. I've also seen an SUV outside in front of this person's house - not pulled over, but just - parked - in the road. Basically turning our street into a one-lane street.

All of this is happening with just one property in the neighborhood. I've told my neighbors next time this lady or her tenant blocks their driveway, to not confront them. Just call the police. And next time they park IN a neighbor's driveway - don't confront. Call the police.

Don't bother with community watch, they can't do anything about it. Blocking someone's driveway, and trespassing on someone's property - are both things the police are paid to handle.

[Pairadocs]

Yeah, More or less I can. I taught grad school for a time. But does it matter really if they were 40 or 41? Or even 42? Huh? The thing is you’re trying to turn the topic away from the fact that the pools are not made to handle such an influx of numbers and they never had to in the past. So what’s changed? I regularly talk to people in the pool - there were several times - when I could get in, I was the ONLY resident.

Many visitors (renters, but also just our adult children and grandchildren come at holiday/vacation times, it's a fact of life) at certain times. Here's how I chose to think about it when I am frustrated: What if every home (dwelling) rather for rent or not, was occupied 100% of the time 365 days a year, which is the way most neighborhoods anywhere are. But here, I feel fortunate that there are times of the year where the number of residents is very low compared to facilities (including department stores, clothing stores, grocery stores being noticeably less crowded. I personally hate the fact that there are rentals on our street, but I am not willing to volunteer my time to take on the magnitude of the process of first changing the state laws and then working down to the county level, and then dealing with the special governmental structure of unique developments like ours ! Those who can afford it, could try to find and move to a truly private community, but if you read widely, you'll find every state is facing the multitude of problems brought on by the investment rental (tulip mania like) craze that began slowly and quietly around 2008. The true solution is not to LET the "horse get so far out of the barn" he's so far away you will never catch and corral him".

[Cybersprings]

Again, obfuscating… do you think then this topic will go away by saying, we have many other issues also?

No, part of my point is that you don't get to start outlawing everything you don't like, which is what this thread is about, what progress has been made in outlawing short term rentals. And the other part is that looking down on renters and those who rent their homes, when some full time residents are just as inconsiderate as some renters and more so then other renters.

[oldtimes]

No, part of my point is that you don't get to start outlawing everything you don't like, which is what this thread is about, what progress has been made in outlawing short term rentals. And the other part is that looking down on renters and those who rent their homes, when some full time residents are just as inconsiderate as some renters and more so then other renters.

This is not about regular renters. This is about houses advertised for $40 a night for up to 6 people 21 or over. Do you want that next door to you in what is supposed to be an over 55 community?

[jimjamuser]

If you do a Google search for “short term rentals ruining neighborhoods” you will see that it is already a huge and growing problem. The short term rental industry has a large group of lobbyists dedicated to preventing legislation to restrict them.

I think in an over 55 community it is an even bigger problem because people buy into an over 55 community for safety and security not a revolving door of strangers in a cheap hotel.
Agreed, good post!

[jimjamuser]

I don't think this is as big of an issue as you have made it out to be.

1,200 homes out of 80,000 is an insignificant number.
What is the advice about the ROTTEN apple affecting the whole batch? It takes just ONE rotten apple!

[Velvet]

I just found out why one of the houses in our neighborhood looks like crap, now that it's been sold, and why one of my neighbors is thinking about moving. Turns out - the person who bought the house - is living in it. But she sectioned off her living room and is renting it BY THE NIGHT to whoever answers an ad in an Orlando newspaper, for only $50/night.

She parked her car blocking one neighbor's driveway a couple of times. And another time she parked IN a neighbor's driveway. And no she didn't have permission - the neighbor comes home from work at lunch time every day and wasn't able to park in her own driveway because the other person had their car in it. I've also seen an SUV outside in front of this person's house - not pulled over, but just - parked - in the road. Basically turning our street into a one-lane street.

All of this is happening with just one property in the neighborhood. I've told my neighbors next time this lady or her tenant blocks their driveway, to not confront them. Just call the police. And next time they park IN a neighbor's driveway - don't confront. Call the police.

Don't bother with community watch, they can't do anything about it. Blocking someone's driveway, and trespassing on someone's property - are both things the police are paid to handle.

Yeah, they’d do it only once in our driveway. Husband would make sure they couldn’t move their car. (Big city living problems.)

[jimjamuser]

It was sure NOT insignificant when several days in a row I could not get even a chair in my neighborhood pool because of the number of people under 40 crowding everyone out!
I also noticed that also, but my annoyance about being CROWDED was offset by the sheer beauty of the under-40 ladies at the pool. MANY were aesthetically pleasing and quite interesting. I talked to one that traveled all over Europe and especially Israel.
.......The problem with a SMALL number of the under-40 crowd is that some that are living in TV Land are hard-core unemployables and have difficult emotional problems.

[jimjamuser]

Along the same lines of any progress in this area, does anyone know if there has been any progress in outlawing dogs in the squares so that my experience for entertainment and the farmers market would be better? Or not allowing dogs to live in the villages? I was promised a heavenly lifestyle in the villages, and it is greatly reduced by having dogs at the table next to me at the restaurants, or barking at the other dogs at the square, or doing their business on the sidewalk and being left there by the owner (brownwood about 3 weeks ago) or the permanent resident next to me who allows their dog out without a leash to do his business in the circle landscaping in front of our house or sometimes in my yard. My experience is greatly reduced by knowing that every place I walk in the grass or stand off the sidewalk at the square to let people pass by me that I am standing in a dog latrine. I hate knowing that everytime I go to the grocery store and put food in my cart that there is a good chance that someone has had their dog in it just before me. Or has there been any progress on outlawing the year round residents who go to the adult pools and talk so loudly with others non-stop for hours while I am just trying to relax at the pool and I really don't care about all the stuff they are telling someone else loudly? Or has there been any progress on outlawing year-round residents from having parties at their house (but only those I am not invited to) where they are loudly enjoying themselves outside and cars are parked in front of my house . On a similar note, does someone know if it is cheaper or easier to replace a sprinkler head broken by a year round resident who parked on my lawn at the party of another year round resident than those that are broken by a short term renter? Thanks for any info you have on the progress made in the areas that lower my home experience in the villages (and reduce demand by others who don't want to experience them) because of year round residents.
Many TV Landers are hard of hearing, so they talk VERY, VERY loud. At the pool, I always take earplugs or earphones to defend against that loudness.

[Velvet]

I also noticed that also, but my annoyance about being CROWDED was offset by the sheer beauty of the under-40 ladies at the pool. MANY were aesthetically pleasing and quite interesting. I talked to one that traveled all over Europe and especially Israel.
.......The problem with a SMALL number of the under-40 crowd is that some that are living in TV Land are hard-core unemployables and have difficult emotional problems.

You must be going to a different pool than me. First, you wouldn’t get in, that, is you’d need to stand as no chair is available. Second, ladies under 40 are not necessarily pleasant looking. The good looking ones missed my pool, I think.

[Ele201]

What is the worst example of bad behavior by the STR crowd?

We have several STRs in my area and I have never had a problem. Most of them are decent, quiet people who can't afford to stay in a hotel at Disney World. They usually leave early in the morning and come home in the evening.

If it were all spring breakers going to Daytona Beach or college kids having a bachelor's party, it would be a different crowd and I can imagine there would be problems.
Or Miami, as well

[Escape Artist]

I love the idea of Airbnb. Obviously others love it also, since it is all around the world and very successful. I have been a renter and rented out my own home. Renting an Airbnb home is much more comfortable than staying in a hotel and you get a lot more for your money. It is fun to rent out my house on Airbnb because I like fixing it up, making it cute and comfortable, and little extras to make my guests happy. With that said my house is one and half hours from the wine country in California. Anyone interested?

A house in the Villages AND one you use as a rental in the Napa Valley? Wow, you are livin’ large!