Rental Availability Surge in The Villages

[Normal]

There is a huge inventory of homes for rent in the Villages. Currently more than 1,100 units are available to rent. This number may climb with the problems of homes being dropped off the MLS and not kept on the MLS because of the souring market. Those homes have a greater potential to become rentals.

Obviously few want the problems of a rental as their neighbor. Hopefully Sumter County steps in to rectify the swelling issue and preserve the Villages lifestyle while sub doing the rental influx. Laws can still be followed while requiring additional steps to make everyone happy.

[Stu from NYC]

What has been average of homes to rent?

[asianthree]

What has been average of homes to rent?

Unless one knows every rental site in Florida numbers will never be complete. Let’s face it who has the time. Out of 24 rental sites I only follow about 8.

From 2007 to 2020 the sites I kept track averaged around 1400, usually with updates monthly.

Then again I only tracked cottage, designers, and only those with minimum of 90 to 365 days. So very narrow window in stats.

So there definitely was more rental information numbers for PV, CYV, Modular, premier. With less than 90 day minimum requirement.

So guessing probably about 2,000 and upwards with realtors and sites not usually available to the public.

I stopped when we sold our three investment properties in TV by 2020

[thelegges]

OP when we first inquired about investment properties in 2004, sales reps encouraged renting. Plus gave you companies to work with, if you didn’t want to handle on your own.

At the time TV didn’t have LSV sections, using owners who were in the rental pool. At least that’s the homes we were offered for visits.

I would say your numbers are definitely lower than when we came early 2000s. So maybe gloom and doom you are posting is actually less rentals than in previous years.

My family rented while building, in 2000- 2002, choice of over 700 designers, more smaller homes but they needed larger accommodations. That wasn’t counting those homes that were already rented

[jimhoward]

I am having trouble understanding the message here.

Is the large number of available rental units a good thing, because renters now have choices and/or fewer rental units are occupied so things are less crowded? Or is it a bad thing because because rental real estate is not such a good investment in the villages right now?

[Aces4]

I am having trouble understanding the message here.

Is the large number of available rental units a good thing, because renters now have choices and/or fewer rental units are occupied so things are less crowded? Or is it a bad thing because because rental real estate is not such a good investment in the villages right now?

It is which ever way you want to interpret it.

[CarlR33]

The post is common doom and gloom and like the others I don’t understand the message? It’s summer and wouldn’t rentals be less in summer?

[thevillages2013]

The post is common doom and gloom and like the others I don’t understand the message? It’s summer and wouldn’t rentals be less in summer?

Post winner, hands down. The forest has been seen between the trees!

[RICH1]

Our Old Friends, the Canadians are not returning to the states ... Why go somewhere that doesn't want you? Vacancy is a common problem in all Vacation Rental Markets... The Village homes are just Temporary Living Quarters...

[MandoMan]

There is a huge inventory of homes for rent in the Villages. Currently more than 1,100 units are available to rent. This number may climb with the problems of homes being dropped off the MLS and not kept on the MLS because of the souring market. Those homes have a greater potential to become rentals.

Obviously few want the problems of a rental as their neighbor. Hopefully Sumter County steps in to rectify the swelling issue and preserve the Villages lifestyle while sub doing the rental influx. Laws can still be followed while requiring additional steps to make everyone happy.

It’s summer! Relatively few people want to come here to rent for a few months in the summer, even though I like it here in the summer. I have a friend who rents out either a suite in her house or the entire house. For six months a year she has no rentals. The suite is about $1500 a month, and the entire house is, I believe, $4,000 a month. Also, lots of houses available now may have bookings already for the winter months. So don’t worry.

[BillyGrown]

We have a rental next to us. Past renters destroyed our sod, left the garbage out 4 days out of the week and were noisy late into the night. The home isn’t invested in for appearance and is the most marginal on the entire street. I think rentals should be banned. If you don’t, you are a landlord or you have never had the disconnected temporary living next to you.

[Meyerro]

OP when we first inquired about investment properties in 2004, sales reps encouraged renting. Plus gave you companies to work with, if you didn’t want to handle on your own.

At the time TV didn’t have LSV sections, using owners who were in the rental pool. At least that’s the homes we were offered for visits.

I would say your numbers are definitely lower than when we came early 2000s. So maybe gloom and doom you are posting is actually less rentals than in previous years.

My family rented while building, in 2000- 2002, choice of over 700 designers, more smaller homes but they needed larger accommodations. That wasn’t counting those homes that were already rented

Sorry fairly new here, what is an LSV section?

[retiredguy123]

Sorry fairly new here, what is an LSV section?
LSV stands for life style visit. The LSV sections are designated areas where The Villages allows visitors to stay who have scheduled a life style visit.

[Babubhat]

We have a rental next to us. Past renters destroyed our sod, left the garbage out 4 days out of the week and were noisy late into the night. The home isn’t invested in for appearance and is the most marginal on the entire street. I think rentals should be banned. If you don’t, you are a landlord or you have never had the disconnected temporary living next to you.

If you live within Wildwood, read this

Municode Library (https://library.municode.com/fl/wildwood/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH13OFMIPR_ARTIVPUN UINUPRIOTQUENHOBUOTPR)

[elle123]

There is a huge inventory of homes for rent in the Villages. Currently more than 1,100 units are available to rent. This number may climb with the problems of homes being dropped off the MLS and not kept on the MLS because of the souring market. Those homes have a greater potential to become rentals.

Obviously few want the problems of a rental as their neighbor. Hopefully Sumter County steps in to rectify the swelling issue and preserve the Villages lifestyle while sub doing the rental influx. Laws can still be followed while requiring additional steps to make everyone happy.
If the real estate market crashes will The Villages remove all age restrictions?

[SaucyJim]

Where did you see that Canadians are not wanted in the US. Please link. Sounds like a skewed, politically-motivated post to me.

[Bill14564]

If the real estate market crashes will The Villages remove all age restrictions?

Doubtful. Those restrictions are written into hundreds of different version of the deed restrictions which would need to all be legally modified.

One way to "remove" the restrictions might be to simply not enforce the restrictions. There have been many accusations in the past that the Developer was not enforcing the internal restrictions such as minors living in homes. However, each homeowner is empowered to take violators to court to enforce compliance so as long as the wording is still there the restrictions are still in place.

Looking at it from the other side, if the real estate market crashes would easing the age restrictions make any difference at all? If there are no rich retirees to buy the homes in the "Adult Disneyland" would there be families who could afford the homes and would choose to bring their children to an area built for the 55+ group?

[dtennent]

Just curious, how does the current number of available rentals compare to the past 3 years at this time of year?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Where did you see that Canadians are not wanted in the US. Please link. Sounds like a skewed, politically-motivated post to me.
It's that they don't want us.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/canadian-snowbirds-florida-trump-tariffs/

[threefootputt]

If there are 70,000 residences in TV and 1,100 are for rent, then that’s only 1.6%. That’s a lot????

[jimhoward]

We have a rental next to us. Past renters destroyed our sod, left the garbage out 4 days out of the week and were noisy late into the night. The home isn’t invested in for appearance and is the most marginal on the entire street. I think rentals should be banned. If you don’t, you are a landlord or you have never had the disconnected temporary living next to you.


From what I have seen the Villages, not only doesn’t ban rentals it encourages them.

They have a property management company that advertises to homeowners, they have a system making convenient to get resident IDs for renters, they allow air bnb and have few restrictions on short term rentals. When buying property villages real estate agents offer advice on which homes rent the best.

Even on this forum, new members are often encouraged to rent homes before they buy to get a feel for the place.

Banning rentals seems really unlikely.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Our Old Friends, the Canadians are not returning to the states ... Why go somewhere that doesn't want you? Vacancy is a common problem in all Vacation Rental Markets... The Village homes are just Temporary Living Quarters...
You mean they're done using us like their old rich uncle? Bye Felicia.

[KenLee100]

I am having trouble understanding the message here.

Is the large number of available rental units a good thing, because renters now have choices and/or fewer rental units are occupied so things are less crowded? Or is it a bad thing because because rental real estate is not such a good investment in the villages right now?

1. This is the off-season.
2. There are always places for rent, long-term and short-term.
3. The market is in a CONSTANT state of flux, just like the stock market...if you don't like the market, wait a few days.
4. Get educated, this is probably the most consistent market in the country.

[merrymini]

Canada had stopped being reasonable long before now. Trump is merely pressing the issue. They can stay home if they want and buy new snow shovels made in canada.

[justjim]

If I was Canadian I would think twice about coming to U.S. A number I understand aren’t coming not only to TV but other snowbird areas of the U.S. I wonder about the Theme Parks. Will their numbers be down this winter?

[DrMack]

From what I have seen the Villages, not only doesn’t ban rentals it encourages them.

They have a property management company that advertises to homeowners, they have a system making convenient to get resident IDs for renters, they allow air bnb and have few restrictions on short term rentals. When buying property villages real estate agents offer advice on which homes rent the best.

Even on this forum, new members are often encouraged to rent homes before they buy to get a feel for the place.

Banning rentals seems really unlikely.

They will do anything to sell a home. Whether the market gets saturated with rentals is of little concern. Houses that are sold are left in the dust and on to the next buyer they go. Sort of like a certain bankrupt Health Care System or a bank.

[Velvet]

Canada had stopped being reasonable long before now. Trump is merely pressing the issue. They can stay home if they want and buy new snow shovels made in canada.

Or travel to anywhere else in the world.

[Bill14564]

They will do anything to sell a home. Whether the market gets saturated with rentals is of little concern. Houses that are sold are left in the dust and on to the next buyer they go. Sort of like a certain bankrupt Health Care System or a bank.

What kind of screening process would you implement? What questions do you believe you could ask before legally denying someone a home?

[vintageogauge]

Where did you see that Canadians are not wanted in the US. Please link. Sounds like a skewed, politically-motivated post to me.

Especially since Florida is attempting to pass a bill allowing Canadians to stay 8 months instead of 6.

[BillyGrown]

What kind of screening process would you implement? What questions do you believe you could ask before legally denying someone a home?

It was a sales tactic used on us. One of the first things out of our Villages real estate agent was “if you aren’t going to be down here for a while you can always make it a rental.”

[jimhoward]

Doubtful. Those restrictions are written into hundreds of different version of the deed restrictions which would need to all be legally modified.

One way to "remove" the restrictions might be to simply not enforce the restrictions. There have been many accusations in the past that the Developer was not enforcing the internal restrictions such as minors living in homes. However, each homeowner is empowered to take violators to court to enforce compliance so as long as the wording is still there the restrictions are still in place.

Looking at it from the other side, if the real estate market crashes would easing the age restrictions make any difference at all? If there are no rich retirees to buy the homes in the "Adult Disneyland" would there be families who could afford the homes and would choose to bring their children to an area built for the 55+ group?

Because of adoptions and second marriages, there are quite a few retirees with minor children. Minor children can’t get villages resident IDs but other than that I don’t think the deed restrictions are widely enforced. Middleton is great, particularly if the kids are eligible, due to a villages connection, for high school enrollment. but for some the villages is better.

It likely represents a small but nonzero part of housing demand.

But would removal of age restrictions increase demand? As you say probably not. It might well hurt it. They get a lot of benefit from being 80% 55+

[Pballer]

Where did you see that Canadians are not wanted in the US. Please link. Sounds like a skewed, politically-motivated post to me.

Canadian car travel to the US was down 33% in June compared to June 2024. For those of us that don't like those statistics perhaps we can see about getting the people who gather such statistics fired.

Canadian Tourism To U.S. Down 33% In June—Billions In Losses (https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/07/10/canadian-visitors-to-us-plummet-june-2025/)

[DrMack]

What has been average of homes to rent?

Prices have only decreased $147 per rental unit in the Villages according to Zillow. Access to this page has been denied (https://www.zillow.com/rental-manager/market-trends/the-villages-fl/)
There are many slices to the pie however.

A1 uses the whole information on the internet approach. It states

Rental prices in The Villages, Florida, have shown a trend of decrease recently.

Current Trends
Reports indicate a decline in rental prices due to various factors, including increased inventory and changing demand patterns.
The average rental price has dropped by approximately 5-10% over the past year, depending on specific neighborhoods and property types.
Market Factors
An influx of new developments has led to more available rental units.
Economic conditions and seasonal fluctuations may also contribute to the current pricing trends.
Local Insights
Real estate analysts suggest that the decrease may provide opportunities for renters seeking more affordable options.
It is advisable for potential renters to monitor listings regularly, as prices can vary significantly based on location and amenities.

Personally, I would use the AI information which gleans from the entire posted internet.

[J1ceasar]

Buying a home has been one of the best investments, especially if you do not decide to retire for several years.

I always laugh at people that want to restrict what I can do with my home.

It's bad enough we can't put up religious symbols

There is a huge inventory of homes for rent in the Villages. Currently more than 1,100 units are available to rent. This number may climb with the problems of homes being dropped off the MLS and not kept on the MLS because of the souring market. Those homes have a greater potential to become rentals.

Obviously few want the problems of a rental as their neighbor. Hopefully Sumter County steps in to rectify the swelling issue and preserve the Villages lifestyle while sub doing the rental influx. Laws can still be followed while requiring additional steps to make everyone happy.

[J1ceasar]

Pretty sure the original poster does not like people renting especially when their next door to him or her.

There were plenty of reasons to rent from not having the capital to buy a home or wanting to decide with the potential idea of moving in future
What most people do not want is the Airbnb style of renting for one week at a time.


If there are 70,000 residences in TV and 1,100 are for rent, then that’s only 1.6%. That’s a lot????

[Normal]

Buying a home has been one of the best investments, especially if you do not decide to retire for several years.

I always laugh at people that want to restrict what I can do with my home.

It's bad enough we can't put up religious symbols

And there is the side that doesn’t mind inconveniencing others/even neighbors for the selfish quick buck at everyone else’s expense. Why Air Bnb when you can buy a hotel? Why not allow renters to saturate the amenities and live without responsibilities to all those around them?

[DrMack]

And there is the side that doesn’t mind inconveniencing others/even neighbors for the selfish quick buck at everyone else’s expense. Why Air Bnb when you can buy a hotel? Why not allow renters to saturate the amenities and live without responsibilities to all those around them?

We had strict rules at our Country Club up in Boston. Guests were allowed, but frequency was limited. Amenities are probably overused here by those who have brief visits until the novelty starts to wear off.

[Bill14564]

And there is the side that doesn’t mind inconveniencing others/even neighbors for the selfish quick buck at everyone else’s expense. Why Air Bnb when you can buy a hotel? Why not allow renters to saturate the amenities and live without responsibilities to all those around them?


Which amenities are saturated or overused?

Do my guests offend you when they visit me? What if I go out for the day and they are here alone, is that okay with you? If not, then how do you recognize my guests from guests two streets over from me from Airbnb guest and from 6-month renters?

Who are you to tell me what I can do with my property or who I can visit or whether I need to be there when they do? How are you inconvenienced by my guests? And again, how do you recognize my guest from Airbnb guests?

If occupants of a home are breaking rules or laws then alert the proper authorities - that's what they are there for. If they are not breaking rules or laws then leave them alone!

But hey, just a couple more months and the snowbirds be back and then they will be the target of the moment.

[Caymus]

Canadian car travel to the US was down 33% in June compared to June 2024. For those of us that don't like those statistics perhaps we can see about getting the people who gather such statistics fired.

Canadian Tourism To U.S. Down 33% In June—Billions In Losses (https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/07/10/canadian-visitors-to-us-plummet-june-2025/)

They will be back in the winter. Where else will they go? Europe doesn't want them, and Mexico is even less safe than the US.

[Aces4]

Canadian car travel to the US was down 33% in June compared to June 2024. For those of us that don't like those statistics perhaps we can see about getting the people who gather such statistics fired.

Canadian Tourism To U.S. Down 33% In June—Billions In Losses (https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/07/10/canadian-visitors-to-us-plummet-june-2025/)

Maybe they are planning to stay home and enjoy all the wildfire smoke which they seem unable to control from their country which is ruining/polluting summer in the northern US. You do realize that Canada has plenty of financial problems which may now be affecting their ability to travel so freely. Canadians on the whole are great and they are more than welcome if they are able to visit.

[Velvet]

They will be back in the winter. Where else will they go? Europe doesn't want them, and Mexico is even less safe than the US.

No, I know some Canadians who will not consider crossing the border to the United States. There is all of Southern Europe, all of South America, nearly all of Southern Asia etc - Canadians are quite mobile and they are welcome (at least their money is) nearly everywhere. Their passports have no restrictions.

[Aces4]

No, I know some Canadians who will not consider crossing the border to the United States. There is all of Southern Europe, all of South America, nearly all of Southern Asia etc - Canadians are quite mobile and they are welcome (at least their money is) nearly everywhere. Their passports have no restrictions.

And there are some Americans who will not consider crossing the border to Canada and they can travel anywhere also, no problem.

[Velvet]

And there are some Americans who will not consider crossing the border to Canada and they can travel anywhere also, no problem.

Yes, of course. And there is nothing wrong with that, except friendship and good will by each side is almost always preferable.

[Aces4]

Yes, of course. And there is nothing wrong with that, except friendship and good will by each side is almost always preferable.

And that is what is current, we have wonderful Canadian friends and there have been no changes. Just the same respect, good humor, thoughtfulness and good will. Nothing manufactured by the media affects us.

[asianthree]

Some in TV have Canadian friends. Spouse fathers family are Canadian. Rarely do they visit US from Montreal, unless it a big family affair.

Not that it’s an issue of money or travel time, work and hockey just gets in the way. Florida isn’t on their top 10 list to visit or retire. They enjoy the Caribbean far more.
We traveled extensively in Canada during our boys hockey careers, visiting pretty much all his family couple times a year.

Are kids are fluent in French, for visits with family and the need to order Food. :clap2:

[Dexterconfetti]

My Canadian friends sold their home. Did not want their money tied up in America. Not sure if they will even rent any more. If not I will sorely miss them.
Also 6 month limit stinks.

[Normal]

My Canadian friends sold their home. Did not want their money tied up in America. Not sure if they will even rent any more. If not I will sorely miss them.
Also 6 month limit stinks.

Yes, we have many also.Hopefully both direct neighbors get the fair shake they deserve. 6 months seems too short.

[Whatnext]

They will be back in the winter. Where else will they go? Europe doesn't want them, and Mexico is even less safe than the US.

When has Europe ever turned away money paying tourists?
What Europe does not have is the warmer weather during the snowbird season.
Europe is, like US, unwelcoming to illegals. We have never met any hostility in Europe when staying. You need to get out more.

[Aces4]

My Canadian friends sold their home. Did not want their money tied up in America. Not sure if they will even rent any more. If not I will sorely miss them.
Also 6 month limit stinks.

Some of our Canadian friends have aged out and also sold their home in the US. The reason being with their health care system, when you hit 80 years old the costs of coverage when traveling out of Canada skyrockets. They chose not to pay the extra bump.

[Caymus]

When has Europe ever turned away money paying tourists?
What Europe does not have is the warmer weather during the snowbird season.
Europe is, like US, unwelcoming to illegals. We have never met any hostility in Europe when staying. You need to get out more.

Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors to protest tourism : NPR (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5434829/spain-tourism-protests-water-pistols-barcelona-mallorca)

[jimhoward]

Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors to protest tourism : NPR (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5434829/spain-tourism-protests-water-pistols-barcelona-mallorca)

Thats been going on for quite some time. I was in Barcelona last year, and there were similar protests. The issue is that many people are turning their apartments into airbnbs reducing the housing stock for residents. Rents are very expensive in Barcelona and residents feel squeezed out. The also don't like the crowds. No matter that tourism is one of the largest source of income in the city.

In some ways its reminiscent of complaints about short term renters that we see in the Villages (without the water pistols).

[Velvet]

Water pistols, hmmm… might be an idea. lol.

[Whatnext]

Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors to protest tourism : NPR (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5434829/spain-tourism-protests-water-pistols-barcelona-mallorca)

We only went to Spain once. Far to many people. Agree with Spaniards. Will take our water pistols with us if we decide to visit again. Concealed carry of course.