10 Rules for Renting a Vacation Home

womansday.com

By Arricca Elin SanSone

Renting a vacation house is a family-friendly option for any budget. “With a whole house you get more amenities, such as a full kitchen, and more privacy than a hotel room,” says Alexis de Belloy, vice president of HomeAway.com. The biggest perk? A house rental is often 30 to 50 percent less expensive than a hotel.

 Add in the money you'll save by cooking for yourselves and having a private garage or driveway to park in, and it's a deal you shouldn't pass up. Plus, all that extra space will provide families with plenty of room to spread out and stay out of one another's hair—making for a very relaxing vacation. Whether you’re looking for beach, mountaintop or big-city accommodations, here’s everything you need to know before you rent.

1. Rent from a trustworthy source.

Check out established vacation home rental sites such as HomeAway.com,VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com and TripAdvisor.com, which offer homes rented directly through homeowners or professional property managers. Real estate companies in the area where you’re planning to vacation are another great resource; many located in large vacation rental markets offer seasonal rentals. You can also check a destination’s tourism website for links to realtors.

2. Start planning early. 

Many rental homes are booked months in advance, so it’s a good idea to pin down your dates as soon as possible to score the best location and amenities. Though “it’s really never too late to book, as you will find last-minute openings in many locations, the homes that families have visited before and loved or that have positive traveler reviews tend to book up quickly,” says Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals for TripAdvisor. If you’re booking late, you can ask if there are any special deals. Some owners will offer discounts rather than let the home remain empty; you’ll typically have more leverage the closer it is to the arrival date. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Don’t be shy about asking questions. 

“Be as specific as possible,” says de Belloy. “For example, if the listing says the house is ‘close to beach,’ ask what that means. Do you cross the street or is it a mile away? Do you need a beach pass? Are there beach towels and chairs you can use?” Ask if linens are included; in some parts of the country they’re not a standard part of the rental. Find out how close you are to restaurants, grocery stores and drugstores. What’s the layout of bedrooms and how big are the beds? Do you need to bring your own crib? Is it OK to bring your dog (most rentals don’t accept cats), and is there a fee? Does the house have air conditioning? Finding out as much as you can beforehand will prevent unpleasant surprises once you arrive. Photo: Kindler, Andreas / Getty images

4. Ask for more photos. 

Most websites offer a few images of the exterior and interior, but it’s fine to ask for more. Request specific shots that show all bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen, seating areas and, if you're concerned about privacy, how close the home is to other houses. Focus on what’s important to you; if you want to spend lots of time outdoors, ask for photos of the yard and deck areas.Photo: iStockphoto

5. Look for traveler reviews. 

On many sites such as HomeAway.com and TripAdvisor.com, travelers who have rented a specific home can post reviews about their experiences (the rental period is verified by the website so not just anyone can write a review). “Traveler reviews are a good way to get additional feedback about a home and the overall rental experience,” says de Belloy. Owners are allowed to respond, but they can’t take down negative reviews, so you’ll get real renters’ perspectives. Photo: Stuart O'Sullivan / Getty Images

6. Do your own research. 

Look at lots of different properties so you can compare features and locations, then make a short list of your favorites. Talk to the home owner or property manager; they’re great resources for recommendations on restaurants, nearby attractions and day trips to help you decide if the home fits your needs. Finally, be sure to get the exact address before booking; you can check it out on a site such as Google Maps, which often has street and bird’s-eye views to give you another look at the house and its surroundings, says Hudepohl.

7. Understand the terms before committing. 

Most vacation rentals are rented by the week from Saturday to Saturday. But occasionally you’ll find weekend or daily rentals available in big cities, says Hudepohl. Also, some rental properties are discounted if you stay for more than one week. When you're ready to reserve the house, usually, you’ll place a deposit to hold the dates, then pay the balance 30 to 60 days before arrival. Refundable security deposits may also be required in case you damage the property; they range from $300 to $500. Most owners accept checks or PayPal for payment, with an increasing number now accepting credit cards. Cleaning fees (typically around $100 to $150 per stay), pet fees and local sales tax may also apply. Photo: Shutterstock

8. Ask for a rental agreement. 

“The contract should spell out specific details such as how much money is required to hold the reservation as well as how much the security deposit is and when and how it will be returned,” says de Belloy. You’ll also want to get a copy of the pet policy, if applicable, and the cancellation policy so you’ll know what to expect if you have to change your plans. Many owners offer a refund minus a small cancellation fee; some offer a full refund if they can find other renters for your original booking dates. Photo: Epoxydude / Getty Images

9. Consider insurance policies. 

Some websites, such as HomeAway.com and VRBO.com, offer property damage polices. Owners can choose to offer you the policy, which you purchase through the rental website for a small fee instead of having to put down a security deposit. The cost depends on total rental fee but runs approximately $50 on a $2,000 rental. There’s also a rental guarantee policy, starting at $39, which reimburses you if anything goes awry with the rental itself, such as the house is inadvertently double-booked or the owner wrongfully withholds your security deposit.

10. Plan ahead for unexpected circumstances. 

You’ll usually be greeted by the owner or property manager to receive the key. But make sure you have a contact number, too, for the remainder of your stay. “You want to know who can assist you if the kitchen sink clogs or you lock yourself out,” says Hudepohl. When you arrive, walk around and look at the property. If something is wrong, such as a broken window, call the owner or property manager immediately. Most owners are quick to respond because they want you to have the best possible vacation experience so you’ll book again next year. Photo: iStockphoto

Top 10 Vacation Rental Tips

abcnews.go.com

Sept. 18, 2008

By KAREN SCHALER

In this economy, most of us are trying to cut corners wherever possible. 

If you're planning a vacation, renting a luxury condo or house instead of staying in a hotel can save you big bucks. Plus, you'll have more space to relax and enjoy your home away from home. Renting a vacation home is an especially smart choice if you're traveling with a group of friend or with kids. 

You can find some of the best bargains on vacation home rentals online if you know what to ask about and how to protect yourself as a renter. 

Here are 10 tips to help you get the biggest bang for your buck. 

Condo Vacation Rental in Scottsdale, Ariz.; photo by Karen Schaler

 

1. Choose a popular rental destination.

 

If you're looking for sensational savings your best bet is to choose a destination where there are a lot of vacation rentals on the market, keeping prices competitive. Some top locations in the United States for vacation rentals include: Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, North Carolina and Hawaii. 

For example, during the popular fall and winter months in Arizona, a hotel room can cost you more than $400 a night, but for the same price you can rent a two-bedroom vacation home for an entire week. When you get a vacation rental you also have your own kitchen, so you can cook some of your own meals, saving substantially. 

2. Comparison shop. 

 

Now it's easier than ever to comparison shop when you're looking to save on a vacation home rental. You can find some of the best rental home listings on the following four Internet sites. Always compare notes before signing any paperwork. 

Vacation Home Rental on Atlantic Beach, Crystal Coast, N.C.; Photo courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority 

 

3. Don't send money until you sign paperwork.

 

When renting a vacation home, never send anyone money until you've signed your rental paperwork. It's also a good idea to check out the person you are doing business with. Ask for references, and check out their Web site and their track record. 

Many homes are run by professional real estate agents, so the rental paperwork should include all the legal details you need. If you're renting from the homeowner there should still be a lease for you to sign. 

Read the fine print. Is there a cancellation policy if you have to leave early? Does it stipulate when you will get your deposit back? Spend the time up front checking things out so you won't have any hassles later. 

4. Know exactly what's included. 

 

Most rental homes will say "everything's included," but you want to double-check to be sure that there are no hidden surcharges. If utilities, Internet and cable are included, does this mean the property has WiFi and high-speed Internet? Is it basic cable or premium? If electricity is paid is there a cap? Many properties will say they include utilities, electricity and gas and then the fine print says it's included, up to the first $200. 

Arizona realtor David Van Omen says you can't ask too many questions.

"If you're renting a home with a pool, make sure the pool is actually heated and find out beforehand who pays to heat the pool, because that can get expensive in the winter months," he says. 

5. Have an emergency contact person.

Your rental contract should include who to call if your dishwasher breaks or there's some other problem with the property. It should also state a time frame for fixing any major problems. You don't want to rent a home and have the hot water heater conk out and end up with cold showers for two week. The information should also be posted in a contact book inside the property. Make sure you have a phone number and email address of the contact and if possible get a second person as a backup. 

6. Is the home family friendly?

 

If you're traveling with kids, make sure the property you rental is family friendly. Check the bed configurations. If you have three kids and the guest room only has a king-sized bed you could be in trouble. 

Also make sure you see pictures of the home. Do you really want to rent a place with a white couch and fancy décor if your 3-year-old still thinks it is fun to color on everything in sight? Make sure the home you're renting fits your family's needs so you're all comfortable. 

Brenda Collons, from Seattle, says with two young daughters it just makes sense to rent a home where the family can spread out and relax and save money at the same time. 

"We save a lot by eating meals at the rental home instead of eating spendy hotel food," Collons says. "This allows us to spend money on other things that are more important to us as a family." 

Condo Rentals in the Crystal Coast, N.C.; Photo courtesy of Bluewater GMAC Real Estate

7. Can you bring a pet?

 

Many vacation rentals accept pets, but they may have a size limit. If the limit is 20 pounds, don't even think about trying to sneak in your Great Dane because chances are the neighbors will rat you out. They usually know the homeowner and the real estate agent and keep a close eye on what's happening. 

John Kelly, the general manger of Bluewater GMAC Real Estate in North Carolina, says it doesn't hurt to ask if your pet can stay. 

"There are many options for pet owners and while it's typical only dogs are allowed you may be able to get permission for a cat, bird or other pet," he says. 

8. Is a refund available if you leave early? 

 

If you think you may want or need to leave early, check your contract to see if you're eligible for a partial refund. Most vacation rentals are for a specific time period and don't offer refunds because that leaves the homeowner in a lurch with no time to rent to someone else. Know going in what the rules are so there are no unpleasant surprises. 

9. Love the house you pick. 

 

Keep in mind when you're renting a vacation home you're renting a property that's individually owned. This isn't a hotel where if you don't like what you have you can get something else. Once you sign a lease for a specific property, that's the property you're getting, so make sure it's exactly what you want. Ask if reviews from other renters are available. Also remember you get what you pay for. While scoring a good deal is the goal, if it's too cheap there's probably a reason. 

Vacation Rentals at Hawks Cay, Florida Keys; Photo by Karen Schaler

10. Reserve early. 

 

Popular destinations like Arizona, California and Hawaii fill up fast, so reserve early to get the best deals. For favorite rental months like November, December and January, it's typical to rent as early as six months out.