Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Villages is a 55+ community. At least one person in the household must be 55 or older. Residents under 19 are not permitted to live in the community on a permanent basis.

The amenity fee is a monthly charge that gives residents access to recreation centers, pools, sports courts, and other community facilities. The amenity fee is typically the responsibility of the renter and is paid in addition to monthly rent. Your lease should specify who pays the amenity fee.

A Lifestyle ID (also called a Villages ID) is your access card for recreation centers, pools, and community events. Renters with a lease of 3 months or longer can obtain a Lifestyle ID through The Villages Guest Services. You will need your signed lease agreement and valid photo ID. There is a fee associated with the Lifestyle ID.

Most rentals in The Villages fall into three categories: snowbird (3-6 months, typically October through April), seasonal (3-12 months), and long-term/annual (12+ month leases). Availability varies by property and time of year.

Yes, if you have a valid driver's license. The Villages has over 100 miles of golf cart paths. Some rental homes include a golf cart with the lease — look for the 'Golf Cart Included' tag on listings. If one isn't included, you can purchase or rent a golf cart locally.

Community Development District (CDD) fees fund infrastructure like roads, utilities, and amenities. They appear on the property tax bill and are the responsibility of the property owner, not the renter. Bond payments are the owner's obligation tied to the original development costs.

Use the search and filter options on our Rentals page to narrow by rental type (snowbird, seasonal, long-term), amenities (pool, golf cart, pet-friendly), and village neighborhood. You can also browse by village to see what's available in a specific area.

Most rentals in The Villages are furnished and include appliances, Wi-Fi, and basic utilities. However, inclusions vary by property. Check each listing for details on what's included, and confirm specifics directly with the property owner before signing a lease.

Snowbird rentals are short-term seasonal stays (typically 3-6 months during the winter season) and are usually furnished. Long-term rentals are 12+ month leases and may be furnished or unfurnished. Snowbird rates are generally higher per month due to the shorter commitment and peak-season demand.

Pet policies vary by property and sometimes by village. Some owners welcome pets while others do not. Use the 'Pet Friendly' filter on our search page to find pet-friendly listings. Always confirm specific pet policies (breed restrictions, size limits, pet deposits) directly with the owner.

Pool maintenance responsibilities should be specified in your lease agreement. In most cases, the property owner arranges and pays for regular pool service. Confirm this with the owner before signing.

Contact us through our website to get started. We'll walk you through the listing process, including photos, pricing, and property details. We offer Basic, Featured, and Spotlight listing tiers to fit your needs.

You must be the legal owner of the property. We may require proof of ownership such as a deed, property tax bill, or county property appraiser record. Property management companies are not eligible to list on staythevillages.com — we work exclusively with individual owners.

No. staythevillages.com is exclusively for individual property owners. We believe direct owner-to-renter communication leads to better experiences for everyone. Property management companies are not permitted to list on the platform.

No — in fact, our terms require the opposite. Inquiries generated through staythevillages.com must be handled directly between you and the renter. You may not redirect prospective renters to Airbnb, VRBO, or other booking platforms for payment processing.

If you list your property for sale, you must either remove your rental listing or clearly disclose the sale status to prospective renters. Transparency is required — renters deserve to know if the home they're considering may change ownership during their lease.

You set your own pricing. Most owners set different rates for snowbird season (higher, typically November through April) and off-season (lower). We can provide guidance on competitive pricing based on similar properties in your village.

The Villages is made up of over 130 individual village neighborhoods, spanning three counties (Sumter, Lake, and Marion) in Central Florida. Each village has its own character, with homes ranging from villas to single-family designer homes.

The Villages has over 100 recreation centers, each offering pools, fitness facilities, sports courts, and activity rooms. Access is included with your amenity fee and Lifestyle ID.

There are three main town squares — Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood Paddock Square — each with nightly live entertainment, restaurants, and shops. Additional regional recreation centers throughout the community also host events.

The Villages has over 50 golf courses, including both executive (par 3) courses and championship 18-hole courses. Executive courses are free for residents with a Lifestyle ID. Championship courses require green fees.