Best way to rent a house with a generous cancellation policy?

[EpcotNerd]

Looking to rent a house for a few weeks in January. VRBO lets you filter rentals that will allow you to cancel 100% refund if you cancel 2 weeks before your arrival. Are there any sites/rental agencies letting you cancel completely last minute? My fear is that the week before our state will enact a travel restriction right before we're supposed to leave and we won't be able to go. I'm not interested in travel insurance at this time, there seem to be too many Covid-related loopholes.

Thanks so much!

 

[Befferk]

Looking to rent a house for a few weeks in January. VRBO lets you filter rentals that will allow you to cancel 100% refund if you cancel 2 weeks before your arrival. Are there any sites/rental agencies letting you cancel completely last minute? My fear is that the week before our state will enact a travel restriction right before we're supposed to leave and we won't be able to go. I'm not interested in travel insurance at this time, there seem to be too many Covid-related loopholes.

Thanks so much!

I know you said you don't want travel insurance, but that's exactly why I purchase it with "cancel for any reason" coverage for every trip. It's really not that expensive. This year, I bought one that specifically INCLUDED Covid related issues.

 

[EpcotNerd]

I know you said you don't want travel insurance, but that's exactly why I purchase it with "cancel for any reason" coverage for every trip. It's really not that expensive. This year, I bought one that specifically INCLUDED Covid related issues.

Thanks, that's good to know. There is such a big inventory of houses available for when we want to go I'm wondering if I should just wait until last minute to book.

 

[lynnfitz]

The cancel for any reason-any restrictions at all? We usually rent points at DVC. Would love to book our summer trip since there is availability-but with Covid have been holding off-I usually book after the holidays for the following summer. any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Befferk]

The cancel for any reason-any restrictions at all? We usually rent points at DVC. Would love to book our summer trip since there is availability-but with Covid have been holding off-I usually book after the holidays for the following summer. any thoughts? Thanks!

If you go to a site like Insure My Trip and get quotes you can choose those with "cancel for any reason", and when you narrow it down you can click to read all their rules/restrictions. It varies by policy/carrier so I can't really give a blanket answer on that. But really, cancel for any reason, is cancel for any reason. Also if you do a google search for "covid specific travel insurance" you will find lots of information to read up on.

 

[lynnfitz]

Great, thank you, will check it out!!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We just rented a house last minute... the rates were fantastic because it was the day before.
I had a back up plan of hotels lined up just in case I did not like what was available.
Between Airbnb and vrbo there was plenty to choose from.

 

[JJ2017]

In the same boat. I found a handful of Airbnb’s with 24 hours before cancellation. Pleasantly surprised.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We just rented a house last minute... the rates were fantastic because it was the day before.

I recently spoke to a friend who lives in a neighborhood that has a number of short term rental homes. He said that the occupancy is down this year. Not all of the snowbirds have showed up. Including us who have decided to isolate up north this winter. So I would agree that last minute availability should be higher this season.

 

[china mom]

Please keep in mind that, while sympathetic you your plight, the majority of these homes are owned by individuals who have to make mortgage payments on the house. When someone books, the house is taken off the availability calendar and the owner is missing out on other potential guests.

I owned a short term rental at a beach and I was probably too generous with my last minute cancellation policy. I dipped into personal funds to make up the lost rental income.

I say this to help you understand that owners are not being jerks just to be jerks but must have strict cancellation policies because often they are operating on tight margins.

My advice: either book late or get CFAR insurance.