How to Screen Renters for Your Villages Property

Good screening protects your property and your income. In The Villages, screening has one requirement that doesn't exist in most rental markets: verifying the 55+ age rule. Beyond that, the basics apply — a written lease, a deposit, and a sense of who you're renting to.

The 55+ Requirement

The Villages is an active adult community. At least one occupant in each household must be 55 or older. This is a community rule, and as the property owner you are responsible for verifying compliance before signing a lease.

The simplest approach: request a government-issued ID from the primary renter before signing. A driver's license or passport works. Do this every time — for new renters and for returning ones (ID can be confirmed quickly on subsequent stays).

staythevillages.com's digital lease signing builds this into the process automatically. The renter uploads their ID as part of the lease signing workflow — you receive a copy with the signed lease, creating a clear record.

What Your Lease Must Cover

A handshake agreement is not a lease. In Florida, a written lease protects both parties and is essential for any rental longer than 30 days. At minimum, your lease should include:

• Rental period: exact start and end dates
• Monthly rate: amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
• Security deposit: amount, conditions for deductions, and return timeline (Florida law governs this)
• Occupancy: names of all adult occupants, maximum number of guests
• Age verification: statement that at least one occupant is 55+, with ID on file
• Pet policy: whether pets are permitted, breed/weight restrictions, and pet deposit
• Golf cart terms: who is responsible for insurance and damage if the cart is included
• Maintenance responsibilities: who handles what (typically owner handles major systems, renter handles day-to-day cleanliness)
• House rules: noise, smoking, parties, parking

Custom lease templates are available on the Spotlight plan at staythevillages.com — built specifically for Florida rental law and Villages-specific terms.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most Villages renters are low-risk. But pay attention to:

• Reluctance to provide ID or sign a written lease
• Wanting to pay entirely in cash with no documentation
• Vague about who will actually be staying in the property
• Pressure to move in before you've had time to review their information
• Unwillingness to provide a prior rental reference

Responsive, organized renters who communicate clearly before signing tend to be organized and respectful during their stay. The inverse is also usually true.

The Security Deposit

Standard security deposits in The Villages run one to two months' rent. Florida law requires you to hold the deposit in a separate account and return it within 15 days of move-out if there are no deductions, or provide a written itemization of deductions within 30 days.

Document the property condition thoroughly before move-in so any deduction claims are backed by evidence.