Owning a vacation home in Orlando comes with incredible benefits—but it also comes with its share of challenges. The summer of 2020 was particularly tough for vacation home owners, as many faced an unexpected surge of guests turning their properties into party hubs. Some HOAs even sent letters addressing the issue, and there were incidents so chaotic that security guards walked off the job during peak weekends like Independence Day.
While this was a unique set of circumstances brought on by the pandemic, it’s important to have a solid plan in place to prevent future incidents. Here’s how we successfully minimized partying in the vacation homes we manage, protecting both the properties and the peace of the neighborhoods.
Looking back, the surge in partying wasn’t entirely surprising. Guests had been cooped up at home for months, craving a change of scenery. With the theme parks temporarily closed, many visitors booked vacation homes to enjoy private pools and find ways to entertain themselves—sometimes at the expense of nearby homeowners' tranquility.
Thankfully, the reopening of Orlando’s theme parks has returned the focus of most visitors to enjoying Disney, Universal, and other attractions. Even so, proactive measures are necessary to protect your investment and ensure your vacation home remains a peaceful retreat.
One of the first steps we took was requiring all guests to register before their stay. Guests provided a government-issued photo ID, which allowed us to verify their information. If we noticed guests from the local Orlando area, we proactively reached out to remind them of our strict no-partying policy.
This conversation was key. We reassured guests that while we wanted them to enjoy their stay, hosting a party would result in immediate eviction. Interestingly, some guests admitted they were considering throwing a party, which gave us the chance to discuss their options—often leading to a cancellation before any problems arose.
To formalize our policies, we used SignNow to create a digital agreement that all guests signed. This agreement included a clearly stated no-partying policy, ensuring every guest was aware of the rules before stepping foot into the property.
Strong communication with neighbors played a crucial role. We introduced ourselves to nearby residents and encouraged them to report any concerns. This allowed us to respond quickly to potential issues, fostering goodwill between vacation home owners and local communities.
Upon arrival, guests found a clear flyer on the kitchen counter outlining key policies, including:
This simple step prevented misunderstandings and reminded guests of their responsibilities during their stay.
Enforcing the No-Partying Policy
For vacation homeowners, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy is non-negotiable. If a party does happen, don’t hesitate to call the sheriff’s office to have the guests evicted. It’s also crucial to be proactive—if guests disclose their intent to party, refund their money and cancel their stay.
While we faced some inconveniences—such as refunding 12 bookings and addressing a few illegally parked cars—we ultimately avoided any major incidents. More importantly, the vacation homes remained undamaged, and our owners’ investments were protected.
Thankfully, partying is not typically an issue for vacation homes near Orlando. Most guests come to explore the Orlando theme parks and other attractions, not to host events. The average visitor walks 10 miles a day at Disney, leaving them too tired to party by the time they return to their vacation home.
If you’re looking for accommodations that cater to park-goers, consider booking one of our Orlando vacation homes or vacation packages that include both lodging and theme park tickets. These homes are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, making them the perfect retreat after a long day at the parks.
Owning a vacation home should be a source of joy, not stress. If managing your property has become overwhelming, let us help. With decades of experience, we specialize in protecting your investment, minimizing headaches, and maximizing your income.
Our team understands the unique challenges of vacation home management, from preventing parties to keeping guests happy and compliant with community rules. Contact us at 1-800-641-4008 ext. 7007 to learn how we can take the hassle off your hands and ensure your property thrives in Orlando’s competitive market.
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