Any complaints/problems using vrbo???

[FantasMike]

I'm new here although I've been lurking for quite some time. My wife just found a 4 bedroom villa to rent thru vrbo. I'm concerned because I don't know who I'm renting from as opposed to a service or company that is easier to check up on. It's time to send the deposit and I wanted to see what you all had to say. Anyone have bad experiences thru this website??? Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[BonnieA]

I always used an agency to rent houses in the past. But in January I used vrbo to rent a 3 bedroom condo cause the price was right. Had no problems and the whole process seemed so much more personal. I can't wait to do it again.

 

[onlyoneforme]

We have gone through VRBO several times with private owners, 2 of which we sent certified checks to for a deposit, the last we did a deposit through PayPal. Although everything worked out with the check in the mail reservations...I felt just that more comfortable using my credit card through PayPal.
Does this owner that your renting through offer PayPal services?

 

[FantasMike]

Thanks for your quick replies. I'm not familiar with pay pal. The owner did say he would accept credit card payments but would charge us the 4% fee if we chose that over paying by check. It seems legitimate but you just never know these days. Thanks again!!!

 

[DaveCN]

I have used VRBO and I in fact have my condo listed there. I do credit cards via PayPal as I find many people are more comfortable with that.

The thing to remember with an agency is that they are taking a commission (sometimes 40%) and paying the rest to the owner. If you go direct, you are usually getting a better deal.

 

[kilee]

I've used Orlandovillas.com twice. It is essentially the same concept. They are all private owners. I had very good expierence's doing this, and found some great rates.

 

[crjack]

We also used VRBO to rent two 4-bedroom homes in Windsor Palms and had a wonderful experience. We were a group of 14 and could not find one owner who had two available homes so we chose two homes and dealt with each owner separately. Both were great to work with and had websites outlining the homes ammenities, etc. Both also had similar policies on payments. I have recommended both homes to a number of people and would not hesitate to go back. Good luck.

 

[Bunny/2]

We just rented a 4 bed. 3 bath for next Feb. We were sending e-mails back and forth for awhile and then I mentioned that we were going to be in Orlando Feb. of this year. The owners of the villa are from England and they were going to be at their villa while we were in Fl. and they invited us over for coffee one morning to see the villa in person ! They were as pleased as we were, they don't get to meet the people they rent their villa to and we usually rent from pictures. This is just a little background on our dealings with this web site. Hope yours works out just as well.

 

[Grog]

We're renting a home through VRBO next month. At first I was going to go through an agency (closesttodisney.com), but wasn't happy with the service. When I made the reservation with them, I got an e-mail that was actually kind of vague and had no confirmation number. When I e-mailed them with more questions, all I got back was a blank e-mail with their company letterhead at the top. Two attempts to call them were greeted by an answering machine, and no returned calls.

After this I decided, after reading positive posts here, to go through VRBO. It took me a couple of hours to find a nice house, in a decent location, at a price that was within our budget. I received a confirmation e-mail the next day from the owner. When I e-mailed with more questions, he replied promptly. He didn't hesitate to give me his home and cell phone numbers, and his home address. He also had good feedback at VRBO. I sent payment in the form of a cashiers check, and he let me know as soon as it arrived.

When we get back (April 25th) I plan to post a trip report, but will also post on this board and let everyone know how the experience was in regards to the rental home.