Every year I get calls in October from people who want a seasonal rental in Sun City West, Sun City or other active adult communities around the northwest valley of Maricopa County.
I had a couple contact me who said that they would be visiting friends in the area this weekend and would like to look at three or four rentals that they saw on the internet. They would take pictures and then decide on a rental for January and February after they got home.
Please understand that I wanted to help them. However, most furnished rentals have already been rented for the high season. High season is January through April. But the seasonal visitors start arriving in October.
Many rental listings that are listed as active on the internet were either rented already by the previous season's tenant or the agent received a called between May and August and was able to secure a rental. Rental listings are left active in the MLS so the owner can get renters for the non-high season months.
Often people want to rent only in February, but so does everyone else. February is baseball's Spring Training time and home rentals, hotel rooms and RV parks are already booked.
Most owners require a three month minimum to rent. The average rental has two bedrooms and up to two baths. Rents run between $2100 to $2600 a month, which includes utilities, gardening service, trash collection, and basic cable and internet. But this may vary depending on what the owner is providing. There are less expensive properties, but they usually have one bedroom and one bath. A golf-course property can run higher. Activity cards to use the community recreational facilities are paid by the tenant.
A one-month deposit is required along with usually a cleaning fee. Not all rentals take pets, so if you plan on traveling with your favorite dog or cat, the supply may be more limited. Many rental property owners that rent to pets only take small dogs and not cats. Pet deposits are also required.
Be flexible, I know you want a two bedroom, two bath, on the golf course, with a built-in barbeque, but the only property available is a one bath or not on the golf course, take it. Supply is limited.
Come out and visit, enjoy renting during the high season. Just plan ahead.
Remember in Arizona we do not have to rake or shovel sunshine in the winter months.
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