about renting points if you are the seller...

[kwdw]

As a potential rentee (not the point owner) - I'd also say that I really like the concept of paying by PayPal. Moves alot faster than a check in the mail.

I also really like the concept of the renter and rentee doing a three way call with MS to make the reservation. And giving MS the rentee's email address, too, so that the rentee gets the email confirmation of the reservation, too.

 

[Deb & Bill]

As a potential rentee (not the point owner) - I'd also say that I really like the concept of paying by PayPal. Moves alot faster than a check in the mail.

I also really like the concept of the renter and rentee doing a three way call with MS to make the reservation. And giving MS the rentee's email address, too, so that the rentee gets the email confirmation of the reservation, too.

The three way call can be faked or the reservation cancelled right after the rentee hangs up. It's not a guarantee.

There have been several members who have gotten stiffed by Paypal. So Paypal isn't the best way for the member.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I've rented twice, both without any issues. I agree with the poster above who said to put your listing on a day when you're available to call MS to check on availability. For both of my rentals, the points were listed before the 11 month period, which gave both potential renters and myself time to decide if we wanted to work with each other.

The only problem I've found with Paypal is the fees to accept a credit card payment. The first time I rented, I forgot to include the Paypal fees as the renter's responsibilty. Lesson learned the hard way...

 

[hollis]

Jenn, looks like you treat your renters nicely (I do too ). Thanks for sharing your contract. Your contract works well for you since BLT reservations are typically booked at the 11-month window. But if you need to rent a reservation less than 90 days before check-in, your clause about the 10-day refund policy may need to be adjusted in conjunction with your 90-day balance due policy.

 

[Ericandjenng]

Jenn, looks like you treat your renters nicely (I do too ). Thanks for sharing your contract. Your contract works well for you since BLT reservations are typically booked at the 11-month window. But if you need to rent a reservation less than 90 days before check-in, your clause about the 10-day refund policy may need to be adjusted in conjunction with your 90-day balance due policy.

You're right. But unless something unforeseen happens, I try to get a general idea of my plans way ahead of time and offer for rent accordingly.

 

[joksten2000]

I've been thinking about renting points since we bought to cruise and the points to cruise have skyrocketed I contacted David's and rented over 500 points in less than a week and the contracts are guaranteed. I will be paid regardless. Thanks David

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

I've been thinking about renting points since we bought to cruise and the points to cruise have skyrocketed I contacted David's and rented over 500 points in less than a week and the contracts are guaranteed. I will be paid regardless. Thanks David

We tried David's, and plan to try him again for our rentals. I do believe his service can take a lot of the headache out of the renting process. BUT, the time frame of a week to rent the points was definitely not our experience. We listed a lot of BLT points with him back in the fall, and after they still had not rented several months later, we canceled the listing. We went ahead and booked a trip for ourselves for this May. Funny thing is, as soon as we made the decision to book something for ourselves (but had not yet contacted David about our decision), we got an email saying he had found a renter for our points! I suspect it might be easier to get a fast turnaround renting points through David if you list them around the 11-month mark for Christmas or Easter bookings. Personally, I've had much faster turnaround renting points myself here in the R/T board... and I've encountered some wonderful fellow DIS'ers in the process.

 

[bethsg]

I have rented points many times. Keep records, so you have references for future potential renters. Ask renters for references. It is a transaction of trust. If I want to travel outside of DVC resorts, cash is always better. I have rented points and used cash for DVC cruises non DVC cruises, ski trips to the west etc. After renting a few times.. you begin to have a following of those who contact you for more rentals, or their friends and family. Renting DVC points is very economical for the renter, as compared to paying cash.

 

[Magnod]

I'm glad I found this thread.

I'm thinking about buying a resale (not sure where yet, but leaning towards DGC or SSR). While we are not relying on renting for and funds, we may have another little one on the way in a year or two which may limit our traveling opportunities.

So I am trying to determine how easy renting actually is. This thread is very helpful, as was the other one which is already locked.

Is it better to post the entire points available or to break them up into chunks?

I understand that Disney can change the renting rules, but that aside, with the economy still sluggish, will renting continue to be a viable options for those years when "life happens" and traveling is limited? Is there a trend up or down with renters and the economy?

 

[Annabell]

Very good advice offered here ! Thanks for that. I am also in the same "boat" so to speak and was researching the possibility of renting out points in case we can't use the points due to whatever reason in future.

Now I have a question that might be off topic. I read that you need to call MS to check for availability. I am surprised to learn that you can't check it online yourself ? I am new to DVC and in the process of buying a resale so I have never made any DVC reservation yet but I thought you can do that online ?
So you have to call MS to check availability as well as do the booking ?

 

[maburke]

Is it better to post the entire points available or to break them up into chunks?

You can post the entire amount available, say you're willing to rent fewer, and then update as the number available changes.

Now I have a question that might be off topic. I read that you need to call MS to check for availability. I am surprised to learn that you can't check it online yourself ? I am new to DVC and in the process of buying a resale so I have never made any DVC reservation yet but I thought you can do that online ?
So you have to call MS to check availability as well as do the booking ?

Yes. You cannot check availability online. They have been promising it literally for years, but with the recent shakeup of DVC management, who knows when it will ever happen. IT is definitely a weakness.

 

[GoofItUp]

Don't forget the option of just renting to people you know, too. We've rented points a couple of times to famly/friends who are headed to WDW and want to try a deluxe resort at a not-deluxe-resort-price. We are very clear on what they are getting -- that it can not be cancelled, there will not be daily housekeeping, etc. -- and have had very good luck.

 

[Kansasdreamers]

Two questions regarding renting:

1) is there any protection from a renter running up a bill at a resort and not paying it?

2) Do you count the income as rental property income with taxes? I am assuming an accountant would deal with this or is it a headache?

Thanks,

 

[chalee94]

1) is there any protection from a renter running up a bill at a resort and not paying it?

not really. the front desk will get it right more than 99% of the time.

but if a mistake is made, you are responsible.

2) Do you count the income as rental property income with taxes? I am assuming an accountant would deal with this or is it a headache?

i don't rent, partly because i don't want the headache.

i suspect many renters don't report their income but if the gov't finds out you have unreported rental income, they have the right to come after you.

it's best to check with an accountant but remember that you can offset the rental income with related rental expenses such as the maintenance fees on those pts. (just don't deduct the property taxes component twice.)