How do I get a LifeStyle ID for an AirBnB stay? [Archive]

VAtoFLA

08-07-2025, 03:35 AM

If the Temporary Resident ID was part of your offer, the owner needs to complete a form, their resident id will be disabled for the time it is transferred to you. You would go to the sales center (which one is dependent on the location of the home) and pay the $50 to get them, but it has to have been initiated by the owner first. You just showing up won't do anything for you.

If it is just a guest pass, in this case, still the owner must initiate the guest pass and they will select a pickup location and that is free.

You need to speak to the landlord.

MSchad

08-07-2025, 04:27 AM

golfing eagles

08-07-2025, 04:41 AM

If you are renting an AirBnB you are not on a Lifestyle stay. Lifestyle is only available through the Villages. Much more is provided with a Lifestyle via the Villages that you won’t be getting with an AirBnB like free golf if you want. Absolutely everything is provided and set up for you ahead of time if you wish.

Plus, if the OP is entertaining thoughts of living here one day, they should realize that Airbnb's are not an asset to our community, they are a detriment.

Bay Kid

08-07-2025, 05:44 AM

Plus, if the OP is entertaining thoughts of living here one day, they should realize that Airbnb's are not an asset to our community, they are a detriment.

Sooooooo true. It is a shame to allow a 'hotel' in residential neighborhoods.

OrangeBlossomBaby

08-07-2025, 08:28 AM

I know the office is at 1120 Main Street in the Spanish Springs Square. Do I need to call ahead and reserve an ID or pick up the day we arrive? Is the Cost $50 each?

Thanks in advance.
Al

You don't. You can't get a Lifestyle pass at an airB&B. You've been snookered. Lesson learned: don't rent via airB&B.

Bill14564

08-07-2025, 09:16 AM

You don't. You can't get a Lifestyle pass at an airB&B. You've been snookered. Lesson learned: don't rent via airB&B.

EDIT: Apparently at one time there was a Temporary Lifestyle ID that a resident could request for someone staying at their home. The resident initiated the request and turned in his/her Resident ID. The temporary resident (renter) would go to the appropriate sales office and be issued a paper version of a Resident ID (not a Guest ID).
- The holder of the plastic resident ID (typically the homeowner) needs to initiate the request and turn in their ID
- There may be rules on the frequency that these Temporary IDs may be given out that might not be compatible with Airbnb rentals
- Perhaps contact one of the Villages Sales Offices to get official, up to date information
- Contact your Airbnb host to see if they provide this with their home
- If the host is not willing to turn in their Resident ID they could still submit an application for a Guest ID in your name

_____________________________________________

Is there is no such thing as a Lifestyle pass? I've never heard of one so the above statement may be correct.

If the OP is inquiring about an owner suspending an ID to transfer it to a renter then that *MAY* be available for an Airbnb (or any other rental). I thought I saw the information about the process one time but I can't find it now.

Plus, as others have pointed out, the OP may be able to have the homeowner apply for a Guest Pass for him/her.

Worldseries27

08-08-2025, 06:07 AM

edit: Apparently at one time there was a temporary lifestyle id that a resident could request for someone staying at their home. The resident initiated the request and turned in his/her resident id. The temporary resident (renter) would go to the appropriate sales office and be issued a paper version of a resident id (not a guest id).
- the holder of the plastic resident id (typically the homeowner) needs to initiate the request and turn in their id
- there may be rules on the frequency that these temporary ids may be given out that might not be compatible with airbnb rentals
- perhaps contact one of the villages sales offices to get official, up to date information
- contact your airbnb host to see if they provide this with their home
- if the host is not willing to turn in their resident id they could still submit an application for a guest id in your name

_____________________________________________

is there is no such thing as a lifestyle pass? I've never heard of one so the above statement may be correct.

If the op is inquiring about an owner suspending an id to transfer it to a renter then that *may* be available for an airbnb (or any other rental). I thought i saw the information about the process one time but i can't find it now.

Plus, as others have pointed out, the op may be able to have the homeowner apply for a guest pass for him/her.
i remember my first lifestyle visit they put us up in a designer home right off the bridge in lake sumter. It was fantastic. Came with the golf cart. Roman shower. It was beautiful. The next time we came they put us in a court yard villa. Which we considered a downgrade for no reason at all. So i understand why people will go to places like airbnb to view the villages for a future purchase.

golfing eagles

08-08-2025, 06:32 AM

i remember my first lifestyle visit they put us up in a designer home right off the bridge in lake sumter. It was fantastic. Came with the golf cart. Roman shower. It was beautiful. The next time we came they put us in a court yard villa. Which we considered a downgrade for no reason at all. So i understand why people will go to places like airbnb to view the villages for a future purchase.

We had friends stay in a courtyard villa for their lifestyle visit---3 bedrooms, 1900 sq. ft.--larger than the smaller designers and on a pond. I would suggest utilizing the lifestyle visit, the assigned agent can show you all the designers, premiums and patio villas you want. At the same time, you wouldn't be supporting what many of us consider a blight on our community.

NoMo50

08-08-2025, 08:04 AM

Plus, a true Lifestyle Visit is much cheaper than renting an Airbnb.

Bill14564

08-09-2025, 08:58 AM

If you haven’t seen any of these goings on, you must be in a Village I’ve never heard of. You are very lucky, stay there.

I live in Hillsborough, just a bit north of Brownwood and east of Eisenhower Rec Center. I have experienced bad neighbors but not bad renters. I have been able to get into every activity that I attempted (though many are outside Hillsborough). While we don't tape or tattoo our IDs to our foreheads, I have seen no one that is clearly not a resident or guest at our pools.

Hillsborough is a big place and I just occupy a small corner. There could very well be a bad renter somewhere or one of the several pools may have had some non-residents, non-guests in it at one time. Incidents happen for sure, but they seem to be the exception and not the rule.

And hey, if there is a pool that is constantly overrun then I would be all for putting a dedicated person there to check IDs. If there is a house that constantly has a problem with excessive noise or trash then I would be all for reporting them to the appropriate authorities (noise->Sheriff, trash->Community Standards).

Velvet

08-09-2025, 09:39 AM

I live in Hillsborough, just a bit north of Brownwood and east of Eisenhower Rec Center. I have experienced bad neighbors but not bad renters. I have been able to get into every activity that I attempted (though many are outside Hillsborough). While we don't tape or tattoo our IDs to our foreheads, I have seen no one that is clearly not a resident or guest at our pools.

Hillsborough is a big place and I just occupy a small corner. There could very well be a bad renter somewhere or one of the several pools may have had some non-residents, non-guests in it at one time. Incidents happen for sure, but they seem to be the exception and not the rule.

And hey, if there is a pool that is constantly overrun then I would be all for putting a dedicated person there to check IDs. If there is a house that constantly has a problem with excessive noise or trash then I would be all for reporting them to the appropriate authorities (noise->Sheriff, trash->Community Standards).

It’s really easy to tell when they are teens and early 20’s in the neighborhood pool, when they throw peanut shells under their chairs and tables and leave a great mess behind them when the garbage can is just a couple of feet away, when they sneak away whenever they see the checker show up… and that is just at the pool. People have been reporting, and reporting and reporting.

Part of the problem seems to be is that the landlord may vet the actual renters, but then they let in their kids and their kids friends etc and if you report you are constantly at war. This is not why one retires to a basically retirement community.

I think, like with other things, when people break the law, there should be fines. People should not be allowed to sneak out of the pools, for example, they should be caught and fined.

VAtoFLA

08-09-2025, 09:56 AM

If you haven’t seen any of these goings on, you must be in a Village I’ve never heard of. You are very lucky, stay there. I live next door to a revolving door. Usually 4 cars parked in the driveway and during college break the street is taken over. So a lot of shuffling since both parents still work too. They do try to be considerate but it’s like living next to a college dormitory. And it is not as bad as the designated rental houses.

So are you describing a nightmare from an actual resident, or renters next door? I honestly can't tell and I *think* it's a full time resident. If it is, you are making my point. Neighbors can be difficult sometimes and it isn't exclusively or even mostly those that are renters.

As for outsiders, I remember months in the winter when every chair was taken at the neighborhood pool and there might have been a couple there who were actual residents. When IDs were checked half of them disappeared only to sneak back in the next day. Why are we paying amenity fees?

Maybe they were residents or those with bonafide guest passes from your neighbors. I'm paying amenity fees to use the amenities and I'm able to do that.

So exactly, how many examples would you like? Documented videos too?

I don't have a particular number, but I think your examples pushed me more toward my current way of thinking than away from it.

Velvet

08-09-2025, 10:24 AM

VAtoFLA

08-09-2025, 10:31 AM

You are really trying desperately aren’t you? Throw stuff around to see if anything sticks?

I know all my neighbors and we do activities together, golf, Mah Jongg, walks etc etc. they introduce me to their guests and children who are welcome. We have a close community, any resident moving in is invited and it is up to them how much they want to socialize, but they know they are welcome. This includes their doggies.

Can you think of something else?

Sorry Velvet, I think you're seeing something in my posts that I'm not intending. I'm asking, on the situation you describe above, with the revolving door and the cars where they are trying but both parents work. Are they residents or renters? I really couldn't tell from your post.

Velvet

08-09-2025, 10:41 AM

Sorry Velvet, I think you're seeing something in my posts that I'm not intending. I'm asking, on the situation you describe above, with the revolving door and the cars where they are trying but both parents work. Are they residents or renters? I really couldn't tell from your post.

They are residents. And to their credit, they introduce all the 20 or so young people that come off and on, and do their best to get them to do “Villages” behavior eg no playing water polo in the neighborhood pool etc… the real difficulties exist with the STRs where there is no attempt at civilized behavior by some.

Bill14564

08-09-2025, 10:47 AM

It’s really easy to tell when they are teens and early 20’s in the neighborhood pool, when they throw peanut shells under their chairs and tables and leave a great mess behind them when the garbage can is just a couple of feet away, when they sneak away whenever they see the checker show up… and that is just at the pool. People have been reporting, and reporting and reporting.

So by definition Villager=good and not-good=not-Villager? Ha!

*I* have left the pool area when I realize I have forgotten my ID. Was I not a Villager for that part of one day?

Part of the problem seems to be is that the landlord may vet the actual renters, but then they let in their kids and their kids friends etc and if you report you are constantly at war. This is not why one retires to a basically retirement community.

So the kids..... Only renters' kids and not Villagers' kids? Is that full-time Villagers and Snowbirds' kids should be shunned as well? If weekly renters' kids are the problem does that mean that if you rent for 31 days rather than 27 days your kids are allowed in the pool? STAY OFF MY LAWN!

Perhaps one should have spent some time learning what the community was actually like before they attributed characteristics based on the word "retirement."

I think, like with other things, when people break the law, there should be fines. People should not be allowed to sneak out of the pools, for example, they should be caught and fined.

There are fines and penalties for people who break the law. Like it or not, sneaking out of a pool area is not an infraction of the Florida Statutes or Sumter County Regulations. A fine is out. Caught? Are you volunteering to put on your cross trainers and chase them down the road?

If they do not have a form of resident ID or guest pass then they should be out of the pool. If they sneak away then they are out of the pool - the system worked. If there truly are pools that have a problem with non-residents use then as I mentioned above, perhaps there needs to be a permanent ID checker at those pools. There is a PWAC meeting Monday morning, 8:30 at Seabreeze. I plan to be there and I'll be anxious to hear the response when you stand up and make the suggestion. (NOTE: I believe there is a joint AAC & PWAC meeting on 8/22 to cover amenity access)

Velvet

08-09-2025, 10:54 AM

The pools and recreation areas, golf courses, as far as I know, are private properties and therefore, people who do not have passes are trespassing.

And you are trying to split hairs, it’s not whether it’s the renters’ kids or Villagers’ kids, it’s the behavior and the large numbers that is the problem.

I understand that you would like to justify some renters’ actions to promote business income but it hurts the lifestyle that people hoped to have in the Villages. Turning this place into a ghetto is not what most of us would like to see - even if it makes some landlords well off.

Flyers999

08-09-2025, 10:55 AM

I think eliminating short term rentals would be adequate. Put a 1 month or 4 week minimum. It can be done.

Works for me but that would end the 4-7 day lifestyle visit. I don't see how they could allow one owner do one thing and others not be allowed.

Bill14564

08-09-2025, 10:59 AM

The pools and recreation areas, golf courses, as far as I know, are private properties and therefore, people who do not have passes are trespassing.

I understand that you would like to justify some renters’ actions to promote business income but it hurts the lifestyle that people hoped to have in the Villages. Turning this place into a ghetto is not what most of us would like to see - even if it makes some landlords well off.

That's what you understand, eh?

golfing eagles

08-09-2025, 11:09 AM

Works for me but that would end the 4-7 day lifestyle visit. I don't see how they could allow one owner do one thing and others not be allowed.

I would think The Villages could find a way to categorize lifestyle visits as something other than a short-term rental. Perhaps as a promotion or a 1-week temporary resident.

kbrkr

08-09-2025, 03:36 PM

Sooooooo true. It is a shame to allow a 'hotel' in residential neighborhoods.

I am considering purchasing within the next couple of months. I rented the AirBnB because I was not interested in staying in a Lifestyle Cottage down south where there are no amenities, shopping, or even trees; lol. We wanted something more centralized.

I was the Vice President in an Gated HOA community and I'm fully aware of what a detriment rentals can be to a community.

Bay Kid

08-10-2025, 07:17 AM

I am considering purchasing within the next couple of months. I rented the AirBnB because I was not interested in staying in a Lifestyle Cottage down south where there are no amenities, shopping, or even trees; lol. We wanted something more centralized.

I was the Vice President in an Gated HOA community and I'm fully aware of what a detriment rentals can be to a community.

Lucky the neighbors had you. Next week it might be families going to Disney with 5 or more kids, or groups of young people looking for a getaway. You just never know what you are going to get.

OrangeBlossomBaby

08-10-2025, 09:09 AM

I would think The Villages could find a way to categorize lifestyle visits as something other than a short-term rental. Perhaps as a promotion or a 1-week temporary resident.

If the community as a whole adopted a "must have local, active, licensed insured property management company responsible for all rentals" that would solve the problem, since The Villages sales department has a property management section to handle all those lifestyle visits. Landlords of residences here could use one of the others in the area, like the Hometown Management company located right here in The Villages.

golfing eagles

08-10-2025, 12:04 PM

If the community as a whole adopted a "must have local, active, licensed insured property management company responsible for all rentals" that would solve the problem, since The Villages sales department has a property management section to handle all those lifestyle visits. Landlords of residences here could use one of the others in the area, like the Hometown Management company located right here in The Villages.

Perhaps, but could a property manager deny renting to a family with 5 kids???? And would they????

tophcfa

08-10-2025, 01:25 PM

If the community as a whole adopted a "must have local, active, licensed insured property management company responsible for all rentals" that would solve the problem, since The Villages sales department has a property management section to handle all those lifestyle visits. Landlords of residences here could use one of the others in the area, like the Hometown Management company located right here in The Villages.

Not a bad idea for longer term rentals. But how would this address the big problem of people renting out rooms in their home by the night while they are concurrently living there (AIR BnB type rentals)?

OrangeBlossomBaby

08-10-2025, 07:42 PM

Perhaps, but could a property manager deny renting to a family with 5 kids???? And would they????

Yes, they can. This is a 55+ community, and properties here have capacities. I believe the maximum number of occupants is 4. Or at least, it is in some of the deed restrictions. It might vary depending on the type of home and which village it's in.

The 80/20 law applies to the minimum required for seniors, not the maximum allowed for non-seniors. The 80/20 law means that a 55+ community MAY forbid ANY children residing in the home, if it wants to set up the community regulations that way. The law exists to protect seniors. The Villages allows UP TO 20% of homes to be occupied by people where no one is 55 or older, AND it also forbids anyone under 19 living in any of the homes.

It's not enforced, but it IS the regulation of this community, as allowed by federal law. Theoretically, a couple could move in, and neither of them be 55 or older. But if they have a baby - that baby would not be permitted to live here. They'd have to make a decision - have someone outside the Villages raise the kid, or move out.

OrangeBlossomBaby

08-10-2025, 07:46 PM

Not a bad idea for longer term rentals. But how would this address the big problem of people renting out rooms in their home by the night while they are concurrently living there (AIR BnB type rentals)?

If the homeowner is living in the same building they're renting a room out in - not much you can do about it EXCEPT point it out to the county, that someone might be bypassing the zoning and tax laws by turning their single-family home into a boarding house.

Rainger99

08-11-2025, 03:32 AM

If the Villages banned short term rentals, I would expect that it would reduce demand for houses. Reducing demand for an item usually lowers the prices.

If you are thinking about selling, it might reduce the price of your house. If you are not thinking about selling, you probably don’t care if prices go down.

golfing eagles

08-11-2025, 04:55 AM

Yes, they can. This is a 55+ community, and properties here have capacities. I believe the maximum number of occupants is 4. Or at least, it is in some of the deed restrictions. It might vary depending on the type of home and which village it's in.

The 80/20 law applies to the minimum required for seniors, not the maximum allowed for non-seniors. The 80/20 law means that a 55+ community MAY forbid ANY children residing in the home, if it wants to set up the community regulations that way. The law exists to protect seniors. The Villages allows UP TO 20% of homes to be occupied by people where no one is 55 or older, AND it also forbids anyone under 19 living in any of the homes.

It's not enforced, but it IS the regulation of this community, as allowed by federal law. Theoretically, a couple could move in, and neither of them be 55 or older. But if they have a baby - that baby would not be permitted to live here. They'd have to make a decision - have someone outside the Villages raise the kid, or move out.

And I believe you are correct---those are the rules for OWNERSHIP. But do those restrictions apply to those that rent?????

BrianL99

08-11-2025, 07:21 AM

And I believe you are correct---those are the rules for OWNERSHIP. But do those restrictions apply to those that rent?????

Sort of. All the rules apply to occupants, not all apply to owners. Keep in mind, Short Term Renters are not "residents", they're "temporary occupants".

The Villages (District) is required to provide HUD with a "certification" that they are in compliance with the 80/20 Rule, every 2 years (not that HUD is very efficient about checking these things).

Failure to meet the Certification, means the community looses it's right to "discriminate" against children (as well as some other benefits).

For many years, I *believe* the certification has been a fairly casual, common sense certification ... "we only sell homes to people over 55".

Just an anecdotal observation, but I suspect the current mix is probably about 92/08, so it's not even close to becoming a legal issue with HUD ... & therefore, not an issue that merits attention by the powers that be.

retiredguy123

08-11-2025, 07:29 AM

Sort of. All the rules apply to occupants, not all apply to owners. Keep in mind, Short Term Renters are not "residents", they're "temporary occupants".

The Villages (District) is required to provide HUD with a "certification" that they are in compliance with the 80/20 Rule, every 2 years (not that HUD is very efficient about checking these things).

Failure to meet the Certification, means the community looses it's right to "discriminate" against children (as well as some other benefits).

For many years, I *believe* the certification has been a fairly casual, common sense certification ... "we only sell homes to people over 55".

Just an anecdotal observation, but I suspect the current mix is probably about 92/08, so it's not even close to becoming a legal issue with HUD ... & therefore, not an issue that merits attention by the powers that be.
"We only sell homes to people over 55" ???

What is your source for that rule? As I understand it, anyone can buy a house in The Villages. The age restriction only applies to residents, not owners.

MX rider

08-11-2025, 07:31 AM

Our previous neighborhood has a short term rental home. I'll just say I'm glad we were a block away from it.

Bill14564

08-11-2025, 07:59 AM

"We only sell homes to people over 55" ???

What is your source for that rule? As I understand it, anyone can buy a house in The Villages. The age restriction only applies to residents, not owners.

The source was implied by his "I *believe*" statement, at least it was for me.

The Villages may very well sell to only 55+. I remember that coming up in conversation during my purchase. If an Agency was not asking for detailed records but was willing to accept some extrapolation then hearing that the number of 55+ residents increased by 3,000 each year might be enough to convince them that the overall community was at least 80% 55+.

With 3,000 sales of new homes to 55+ there would need to be at least 750 sales of existing homes to under 55 to even begin to bring the ratio below 80%. Yes, homes get sold to under 55 and yes, it is the occupant's age that matters and not the owner's age, but 750 is a big number especially considering some of those will eventually raise the ratio on their 55th birthday.

retiredguy123

08-11-2025, 08:24 AM

The source was implied by his "I *believe*" statement, at least it was for me.

The Villages may very well sell to only 55+. I remember that coming up in conversation during my purchase. If an Agency was not asking for detailed records but was willing to accept some extrapolation then hearing that the number of 55+ residents increased by 3,000 each year might be enough to convince them that the overall community was at least 80% 55+.

With 3,000 sales of new homes to 55+ there would need to be at least 750 sales of existing homes to under 55 to even begin to bring the ratio below 80%. Yes, homes get sold to under 55 and yes, it is the occupant's age that matters and not the owner's age, but 750 is a big number especially considering some of those will eventually raise the ratio on their 55th birthday.
I don't think it would be legal to prohibit someone under 55 from buying a house in The Villages. The over 55 restriction applies to the residents, not the owner.

tophcfa

08-11-2025, 08:39 AM

My point is, I'm not seeing a lot of people post about living next to nightmare rentals or them witnessing non-residents using the amenities.

Last week I went to the sports pool during time allotted for lap swimming and found a young couple with two children in the pool. To use a sports pool one must be a resident (no guests) and be at least 30 years old. I highly doubt they were residents, and at least two of them were most definitely not 30 years old. I called the receptionist at the Recreation Center and reported it. A couple minutes later, when the family saw the employee come through the gate, they frantically jumped out of the pool and exited. They obviously were fully aware they were breaking the rules, and didn’t care. It happens rather frequently, it’s not the first time I’ve seen the rules clearly being broken.

Bill14564

08-11-2025, 08:39 AM

I don't think it would be legal to prohibit someone under 55 from buying a house in The Villages. The over 55 restriction applies to the residents, not the owner.

As IANAL I can't say what the specific legal provisions are. HUD recognizes senior communities that are 80% occupied by 55 and older. Our deed restrictions give the Developer the right to refuse to sell to under 55 in order to maintain the 80% ratio. Given that, I assume it must be legal to enforce those restrictions and while they apply to residents and not owners, unless the sale is being made to a business it would be assumed that the purchaser will be the owner.