Vacation rentals can be a great way to save money when traveling on a tight budget or to have a different kind of vacation experience that you may not get by staying in a traditional lodging facility. Rental properties may offer larger space and more of the comforts of home, including a kitchen and laundry room, sometimes for less money than a hotel. Rentals may be particularly appealing to large families or groups traveling together. Whether they are booking a vacation rental for cost, space or convenience, Better Business Bureau encourages vacationers to do their research to be sure they are getting the accommodations they wanted.
“Travelers who are thinking of renting a house or condo instead of paying for a hotel or resort need to consider not only if it is right for them,” said Claire Rosenzweig, President and CEO of BBB Serving Metro New York, but if it is a legitimate and legal opportunity.”
BBB urges people to do their research and to work with a reliable company to find their vacation rental. A vacation rental can be riskier than booking a hotel, but with research and attention to the fine print, it can be a great way to maximize your vacation dollars and to experience the destination with a different perspective.
There are many different Web sites that travelers can turn to when looking for a vacation rental. Some companies specialize in connecting renters and vacationers—and take a cut for their efforts—while other sites cut out the middleman and potentially some consumer protections like money-back guarantees.
BBB offers the following advice to travelers looking for a vacation rental:
Start planning early. The best rental properties in popular locations get scooped up quickly so start your search early before all of the best properties are booked.
Do your homework. Consider using a reputable professional rental agent to locate a vacation home rental. If you decide to use a third-party website or professional service to connect you with a renter, always check them out with BBB first at bbb.org. Also, check to be sure that the house or apartment in question can legally be rented for a short stay. Ask the rental agent or home owner to verify this with written proof. You can also check with the local Department of Consumer Affairs, if the rental is located in the U.S.
Make sure the listing has multiple photos. The lovely photo of the vase of flowers in front of the sunlit window is nice but won’t tell you the condition of the bathroom or the size of the bedroom. Make sure there are multiple interior and exterior photos to view. Even with that, sometimes the pictures and descriptions of the property can be deceiving. Research the property on your own online and take a virtual tour of the surrounding area using Google Maps Street View. Don’t be tentative about asking plenty of questions about the property.
Check reviews and references. Larger booking websites that list professionally managed properties will often have reviews. If possible, get references and talk to previous renters yourself. You can also do an online search for the property owner’s name and “complaints,” “fraud” and “scam.”
Get it all in writing. Be sure that all of the verbal agreements are included in the rental contract including details on the deposit, rules on pets, refunds, and what is included in the cost of the rental such as utilities, internet, kitchen gear, cleaning service, etc. Read the agreement carefully to understand all fees that may apply; obligations that may be required of you; conditions you will have to accept; what your rights and protections under the contract will be; and which country’s or state laws will govern the agreement. This is especially critical if you are considering a rental venue located in another country.
Use a secure form of payment. Do not send money until you’ve signed the rental agreement and never pay via money wire. When possible, use a credit card which can provide some amount of consumer protection. Some home owners may not accept credit cards. Use even greater caution and check references carefully if you are considering this type of rental.
Manage your expectations. A home rental is not a hotel so you can’t necessarily expect the same level of professionalism, cleanliness or modernization. However, be sure it meets fire and safety codes necessary for the type of dwelling. Some companies will guarantee that the property meets your expectations. If a guarantee isn’t being offered, consider travel insurance.
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