Help 4 Renters

Using Search Filters

With Advanced Search you can filter properties based on your selected criteria All properties must meet the criteria to be presented in results (100% match). We suggest that you search for your most important criteria first. If you get too many results you can reduce the number of results by adding more criteria.

Make your selections using the drop-down menus and checklists on the search form. You do not need to make selections in "Area", "Village" or "Property Type" if you don't have a preference. Just leave them set to the default setting.

You will get false search responses because some properties aren't current. We incentivize owners to update their ads, but because they are our customers we try not to 'bug' them, but you can!To search, click the "Search" link on the Main Page.

Too Many Results...How would you know that? Look at the bottom of the results page for multiple page links. There are 6 properties per page. If there are too many to view, add more selection criteria to reduce the number of homes in the results.

Saving Properties to "Favorites"

This website allows you to bookmark listings as "Favorites" for easy access later. Your favorite properties will be saved by your browser until you either remove them from favorites manually or until your web browser history is deleted (check your browser settings). Also, because this feature is based on your browser, you will need to use the same computer and web browser to access your favorites later.

To save a property as a Favorite, click the "Add To Favorites" button on the property as shown below

To remove a listing from "Favorites", go the property and click the "Remove From Favorites" icon.

Tips for Communicating with Owners

Our website provides the homeowner contact number as well as an "Email Owner" email feature for your use.

SUGGESTION: Don't make a "lowball offer" by e-mail as your first communication.

Homeowners have told us that they discard inquiries which begin with "I'll give you $xxxx for the place" or "We are on a strict budget of $xxxx". Either of those statements will reduce the likelihood of there being any room for negotiation. Instead, spend a bit of time, have some dialog with the homeowner, ask a few questions, then if you think it's wise try to negotiate a bit.

Verifying Ownership

Our website is specifically set up for homeowners who handle the negotiations, contract and fees themselves. We take the time to personally interview each new subscriber before accepting a listing; and attempt verify ownership at the time they first subscribe; However, we encourage renters to verify ownership through county records to satisfy curiosity or concerns about the property ownership. You will need to speak the listing owner to obtain the owner's last name and the exact address of the property first. Then you can use one of the links below to connect to the property appraisers office to satisfy your concerns.

Each County website works a little differently. We have found the best way to search is by the street address number and the first few characters of the street name in the address field.

For Example:
To search for "1724 Ponderosa Place", enter 1724 Pond in the "street" field.

Results matching your criteria will be shown with owner names on record with the county. Keep in mind that there may be a 6 week delay from the time a property is sold and closes to the time the website data has been updated. Ask the subscriber if the property is newly purchased.

County links:
Sumter County
Marion County (Street names that start with "SE")
Lake County

Vacation/Trip Insurance

VillagerHomes4Rent.com will not insure your trip. There are services such as www.insuremytrip.com that provide competitive insurance quotes to protect a vacationer in the event of a health emergency or such. You can also Google "vacation insurance" to find other sources.

We strongly encourage you to purchase trip insurance to protect your vacation investment in the event of an illness or other life event that requires you to cancel your trip. Renting a vacation property from a private owner is very different from booking a hotel. When you book a vacation rental, the owner of that home is removing their property from the rental market based on your commitment to rent the home for the agreed upon period and rate. If you cancel your stay at short notice, the owner may be unable to re-rent the property for that period and may lose substantial income if they were to simply refund your money. Many rental agreements are written with the contingency that the property must be re-rented at the same rate in order to fully refund your money. Most owners will work hard to find another renter, but if they cannot find one it is unfair to assume that the owner should take the loss, despite their sympathy to your plight, when they entered the agreement with you in good faith. Trip Insurance will help cover the costs so that neither party needs to suffer a financial burden in the event of a cancellation.

Temporary Lifestyle IDs

Temporary Lifestyle IDs provide full access to amenities. These are particularly beneficial to golf enthusiasts seeking to book tee-times during high-season as well as those intending to join groups and classes. Up to two IDs per household are valid for the duration of the visit up to a maximum of one year. There are fees to obtain these IDs. When renting as a group of three or more, "extra" guests can obtain Guest IDs.
IDs are ordered by the property owner 30 days prior to your arrival.
For more information contact the Lifestyle ID Department at 352-753-6691 or LifestyleID@TheVillages.com.

Frequently Asked Questions provided by the Lifetyle ID Department:

• How does an owner transfer the use of their amenities to a renter or guest?
  
  The owner must complete and sign the Lifestyle Resident ID request form, turn in all photo IDs issued for the address where they are requesting Lifestyle IDs, and pay a non-refundable $50 processing fee per each request form. When possible, the owner should turn in the form 30 days prior to the Temporary Lifestyle Resident’s arrival date, especially during the winter months. The owner IDs can be turned in at a later date as long as they are turned in prior to the Temporary Lifestyle Resident’s arrival.
• Where can a Temporary Lifestyle Resident go to obtain their IDs?
  
  Temporary Lifestyle Residents will obtain their ID at one of the following Sales Centers:
  
  • For those who are staying north of Rt 466: Spanish Springs Sales Center
  • For those who are staying south of Rt. 466 and north of Rt. 466A: Lake Sumter Landing Sales Center
  • For those who are staying south of 466A: Brownwood Sales Center
  If the processing fee has not been paid in advance, the temporary Lifestyle resident will be required to pay $50.00 prior to receiving their ID’s.
• What is the difference between a guest pass and a Temporary Lifestyle Resident ID?
  
  A Temporary Lifestyle Resident will have full resident member access to the amenities along with resident rates. A guest pays guest rates for golf, tennis, and other amenities. Without a resident number, the guest will not be able to request Tee Times in advance. A guest also will not have access to Sports Pools or the woodworking shop and may experience difficulty accessing some shows or classes where residents have priority and guests are allowed only when there is an available space.
• Can more than two people at a home have temporary Lifestyle Resident IDs?
  
  We will process only up to two Temporary Lifestyle Resident IDs for a property. Once the IDs have been picked up, the Temporary Lifestyle Resident may obtain guest passes free of charge for other guests. Guest passes are issued at one of our eight Regional Recreation Centers and are good for up to 30 days at a time.
• Is the processing fee refundable if the Lifestyle Resident does not pick up the ID?
  
  No. The $50.00 processing fee is non-refundable. If notice is provided prior to the arrival date, a credit will be given for one (1) year in the name of the person(s) that originally paid the fee.
• Can the ID be extended if the Lifestyle Resident stays longer than the original departure date listed on the form?
  
  An extension of the Lifestyle Resident ID can be processed at no charge if notice is provided prior to the expiration date of the original ID. Once the IDs have expired, a new application and an additional $50 non-refundable fee is required to make another ID.
• Can the Temporary Lifestyle Resident take advantage of the owner’s priority membership or trail fees that have been paid by the owner?
  
  No, an owner’s priority membership or trail fees only apply to the individual owner’s resident number. If desired, a temporary lifestyle resident can purchase their own priority membership or trail fees that would be applied to their Temporary Resident ID number.
• Can the ID be extended if the Lifestyle Resident stays longer than the original departure date listed on the form?
  
  An extension of the Lifestyle Resident ID can be processed at no charge if notice is provided prior to the expiration date of the original ID. Once the IDs have expired, a new application and an additional $50 non-refundable fee is required to make another ID.
• Can the Temporary Lifestyle Resident take advantage of the owner’s priority membership or trail fees that have been paid by the owner?
  
  No, an owner’s priority membership or trail fees only apply to the individual owner’s resident number. If desired, a temporary lifestyle resident can purchase their own priority membership or trail fees that would be applied to their Temporary Resident ID number.
• How do I contact the Lifestyle ID office?
  
  The Villages
  Attn: Lifestyle ID Dept.
  1000 Lake Sumter Landing
  The Villages, FL 32162
  E-mail: LifestyleID@TheVillages.com
  Phone: 352-753-6691
  Fax: 352-751-7751
  

Home Styles - the basics

The following information is provided as a courtesy to help renters navigate home styles based on some common characteristics. Most home styles are found throughout The Villages^® with exceptions as noted. All properties provide renters equal access to the amenities of The Villages^® unless the property is located in a designated “family” area. Renters are advised to evaluate prospective rental homes to determine suitability based on specific home features, location, size, availability and budget.