A season as a renter can be the best research you ever do. How seasonal rentals work in club communities, and the rules to know.
Many buyers are not ready to commit to a community, or even a region, after a single visit. Renting for a season lets you live the lifestyle before you buy it.
Why rent first
- Experience the club in full swing. A season shows you the social calendar, the pace of play and how busy the amenities get.
- Compare communities. Use your time to visit others nearby.
- Learn the region. Drive the routes you would use every day: shopping, healthcare, the airport, the beach.
Rental rules vary widely
Club communities often regulate leasing. Common restrictions include:
- Minimum lease terms, such as one or three months
- Limits on the number of leases per year
- Approval or registration of tenants by the association
- Waiting periods before a new owner may lease
Before you look for a rental, ask the community or a local agent what the rules are.
Club access for renters
Renting a home does not always come with club privileges. Depending on the club:
- Some offer seasonal or rental memberships for tenants
- Some allow the owner to transfer their privileges to a tenant for a fee
- Others restrict club use to owners and members only
Ask before you sign, especially if golf or tennis is the reason you are renting.
Book early
The most popular communities fill up quickly for the winter season, and many seasonal rentals are booked months in advance. Start your search early, and expect seasonal pricing.
Making the most of the season
- Join the clinics, leagues and social events open to renters
- Talk to residents about what they love and what they would change
- Ask the membership office for documents and dues history
- Visit at least one other community for comparison
If you plan to rent out your own home later
The same rules apply in reverse. If you hope to rent your home while you are away, confirm the community's leasing rules before you buy.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rental rules are set by each community's governing documents.
