? about paying for rental home

[kwoo]

Hi,

We are planning on renting a house for the first time (we have always stayed onsite prior to this). I am very excited, but now that it is time to put down the deposit, I am a bit nervous. We are suupossed to put down a $250 deposit now (using paypal) and then the balance is due April 1. Our trip is in May. I guess I am nervous b/c I could be sending my paypal money to some random person (although his name is the name at the auditors office as owenr of this house) and is it normal to pay it all before we leave? What if things go wrong? He already will have all of our money, leaving us with no bargaining chips. I know this is all probably normal, just wanted some reassurance.

 

[onajourney]

I just dropped a couple hundred on a deposit as well, non-refundable, so I understand your angst. Feeling a little of that myself. The place we are renting from had good reviews here and so far the owners have been fabulous about communication. But, from the other inquiries and things I have seen, it seems like that is the norm. I can make my fianl payment through paypal, so that gives me some security I guess. I am thinking if they flake out on me I can do a chargeback on my credit card?

 

[Freaky]

This is quite normal as most owners require a deposit to reserve your dates (quite often non-refundable) and then the balance will be required anything between 6 & 10 weeks or so prior to your arrival date.

There is always a certain amount of trust on both sides when renting a home directly from an owner. You are trusting them that the home is as stated and yours to rent and the owner is trusting you not to trash the home - after all it is worth thousands of $$$. Just make sure you check out the owner as much as you can on the tax and property ownership sites and the communication you have with them will also give you a good feeling for them aswell.

Yes you will hear horror stories as those are usually the ones on the forums and talked about but there are many thousands of people renting each week and the majority will have a wonderful experience

 

[Brian Noble]

Very normal---both the deposit amount, and the timing of full payment.

 

[sympatico]

Yes that time frame for payment is very normal. We usually end up booking within a month of our departure and have to pay the total amount up front. I do get cancellation insurance in case we can't go because of an emergency.

 

[tami82]

I know how you feel. I usually never put up a deposit and pay for anything with a big balance ahead of time. We were originally going to stay onsite and their cancellation policy is great but it is scary to think that if i cancel for any reason i lost all my money.

 

[lbklyn]

We rented a house also last November in Windsor Hills. Also was very nervous. Did it through paypal and everything went smoothly. My only advice really is make sure you get it straight BEFORE you pay anything about taxes and pool fees and barbecue grill fees. I would ask for the ENTIRE total amount for renting. I was a bit thrown for a loop when this owner totaled everything. If I remember correctly it was for $1,500 and after everything was over $1,800.00. I have since looked at houses at WH that were just as nice and some prices even included taxes and all. The house was a 5 bedroom and very nice, as was the owner but I feel that was to much. Especially after seeing so many other houses like I said for a lot less.
Just make sure to have the complete total. Everything should be fine and really, we LOVED the house and will be renting again next time! Loved it!

 

[mom2kayzb & jakers]

Yep, BTDT!!!! Did you get any references for this house?? If someone else has stayed there and was happy, that would give you some peace of mind!! I'm a house person and will never stay on site again!! Too big of a family!! Now if you enjoy this house, they may happen to have discounts for repeat visitors, ours does!! We get 20 percent off everytime we return, and that makes a huge difference!! We now refer to it has "our" Florida house!!

 

[lbklyn]

Also, ask about the keys. Do you have to pick them up from a management company or is there a box at the house. If you have to pick them up make sure to find out how far the management place is from the house. We did not have a problem but I have read other posts where some people had to go way out of their way to pick up there keys (or code) to get in. I think most places now you go right to the house.
I am not trying to make everything sound so complicated because really it is not. Just trying to help you cover all bases. Again, have fun!

 

[LoriNSC]

We rented a nice condo last year from a couple in England. I was nervous too. I paid through an oline rental website. 10% deposit & balance 4 wks. before stay.

It turned out-the condo was wonderful! Nicest people. They called me twice from England, helped me order a birthday cake & sent us a christmas card for christmas months after our trip. We had a great experience.

So-guess what? We're doing it again this June. I just paid them our deposit this past weekend. He called me from England & gave us a 10% discount as returning guests. I'm so excited! This is a really nice condo. 10 min. from Disney gates. Can't wait!!!

I can't speak for all owners that rent. You just have to take chance. Ours turned out great. Good Luck!

 

[kwoo]

Thanks everyone. Your replies helped boost my confidence in all of this. I am going to put down my deposit tomorrow!