Actually more homes available for sale keep the valuations of existing residences down. The only beneficiary of more new homes is the Developer. Existing home values have leveled off or decreased in recent months.

There has to be a bored Attorney here that would like to be relevant again.

When the Super Bowl was 20 minutes from our home in Minnesota, we tried to make our house a rental for one week. The city immediately contacted us said “no” you cannot rent your house out without a license or you will be fined. Of course, we took it off. Perhaps these rentals should be taxed differently?

Quite informative to read this thread. Just from the responses from various users, it becomes more and more clear which participants are neighbors (people who actually live in their home) and which are investors.

This is what I was leading to. Not everything has to be a guessfest. If we believe we are being wronged, just file a civil suit. Worst that can happen judge disagrees completely. If we win great! But judge may also set standards that must be followed. Won't know unless you try!

A license is required in Florida. A license is also required in lake county. Sales tax has to be collected and you need a tax id for that. Tangible tax returns must be filed. Any renter not doing this will be fined.

Just wondering, what is the quantifiable harm/damages residents are experiencing? Without being able to quantify damages it would be almost impossible to get an attorney to take the case.

Sumter County needs to follow neighboring Volusia County & set monthly minimum rental terms! 3-months should be the minimum, in my opinion, in the Villages. Volusia had a big problem with weekend home & condo rentals a few years back. Homes on AirBNB were invaded by college kids for weekend stays. That stopped quickly when minimums were established.

Civil cases do not require damages. Just proof of being wronged. There is no need for an attorney one just files documents . If you want an attorney involved, most have no fees unless they win. An attorney will seek damages.

Airbnb problem?
 

You call it an Airbnb problem but I assume your concerns are not directed simply to that web site but to the practice of short term renting in TV no matter where a property is listed. For instance, this very web site that hosts this forum has a real estate section that currently has several listings advertising rentals by the week. Maybe you could direct your concerns here first to gauge the reception and success you receive and then direct your efforts accordingly? Heck, if you are not successful in changing this we site's policies, you may want to try a different tactic.

No, no, you can't! followed by no real support. I believe some are investors, as well.

Once you buy, you are on your own. Don't look to the Villages to enforce any "rules". It's unfortunate since there are numerous instances of clear violations.

Interesting!

We attend the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" every year (state fair, for you non-norski types). Anyone who has ever gone there and NOT taken public transportation to and from knows that parking is a) expensive, b) impossible, or c) both. Lots of people in neighborhoods adjacent to the fair grounds turn their front yards into parking lots for this event, charging attendees accordingly (more if you're close, less if you want a long hike). I find it hard to believe that these homeowners get a license for a "business" activity that is about two weeks out of any year.

The Super Bowl, of course, is different. Big event. Big spenders. Big businesses reaping the profits of (sometimes) hugely overpriced services. Can't have the little guy infringing on that. After all, what are politicians for? Parking? Hey. No problem. Especially as there are few alternatives to those front-yard parking lots.

The common denominator is money. Who gets it, and who is protecting the source. Homes continue to sell at a brisk pace here and If Airb&bs were negatively impacting that, I can't help but think that this "problem" would never have arisen in the first place.

Having short-term rentals available is a great alternative when relatives come to visit. Many of us have smaller homes with limited space, and there aren't that many hotels in the southern part of The Villages. How is the right to rent out one's house to polite visitors infringing on your rights? Sounds like unnecessary griping to me.

Exactly...... thank you for saying it.