Did anyone have a bad experience Renting?

[Sammie]

We don't rent, never have points left over to even consider it.

But I will say this If we ever do and the renter does as described above, it will be the last time I rent and I will be hot on the phone to Member Services wanting to know why they are faxing the reservation I made to this person.

 

[brasey]

I find it hard to believe they would acknowledge anything other than (1) the fact that yes there is a reservation in your name and (2) do you want the dinning plan? I think maybe one of us needs to call and test them to see what they actually will do. I may do it in the morning as I have some ressies out for guests so I could just act like I was them and do what supposedly is being done. How could they reall know who the guest is if the only thing they ask is your guests name when booking. Anybody would be able to call and have the ressie faxed all over. When you book it is when you have to rattle off all your important account info.

 

[3DisneyKids]

This is still wrong and you should not be calling MS about a reservation that technically you do not own. Until you check into the resort, the reservation is still under the complete ownership of the member and not the renter. Renting a reservation from a member does not give you access to MS to make changes, request assistance, etc. You do not get member perks. You are merely a person who is staying at a DVC resort on behalf of the member.

Yikes! You are definitely a bit hostile about this, though I am not sure why. I only reported my experiences.

If it is OK with MS, then what is the problem? If it was "wrong" then they would say so on the phone and politely inform me that they could not assist me. However, it was completely the opposite. The woman I spoke with the other day bent over backwards trying to help me! I never expected her to handle my dining reservations or anything...I never even asked! She offered! And then, I believe the exact quote was, "If you are a friend of an owner (which is how they refer to renters), then you are entitled to the member benefits while renting."

I understand if this upsets you, as you paid the money and feel that the perks should be reserved for those who have put out the money. However, there is no need to shoot the messenger. If you do not like this policy, you may want to contact MS and politely explain your side.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I don't understand why you feel it is so important to have your name on the reservation as soon as it's made, when you don't own the reservation, and haven't yet paid anything? It is especially presumptuous to assume that MS should be sending confirmations directly to you when you haven't yet paid for the reservation, and you aren't a member of DVC. Members pay for these services with hefty fees for their dues. Surely you must understand that you are a guest, and as a guest, you have committed what many of us consider to be a breach of etiquette by using MS to send confirmations directly to a non-member. This is something the owner should be doing for you, as his/her guest.

I only feel the need to do this as I have been burned in the past (though not here, as I posted earlier).

Please feel free to see my post above. I know that I am not a member, however MS themselves (well, herself, at least...I spoke with a lovely woman on the phone) OFFERED to do all of this for me. She very clearly said that as a "friend of an owner" I was entitled to member benefits while there.

I do not know what the official policy is on this. Maybe someone here does. However, considering that MS allows a 5 in a 1 BR (and that is against written policy) maybe this is another case where they go against policy in order to make life easier for people.

Again, there is no need to shoot the messenger....

I am feeling rather attacked for simply posting the POSITIVE and WONDERFUL experiences I have had renting here on the DIS and when dealing with MS.

 

[thelionqueen]

I've rented points a few times from members on the DIS and they have gone beautifully! The owners are truly top notch and have gone above and beyond to make sure the transaction goes smoothly for me and for them.

It is a transaction that requires trust and Respect on both sides. If you have these 2 ingredients (and honest people ) everything will be fine.

3Disneykids...I think the reason for the "hostility" (or just direct posts imo) is that owners pay quite a lot of money for their points/contracts and perks. It seems strange that a renter would assume they have any rights whatsoever to the reservation. As far as Disney is concerned, the owner can cancel or change the reservation at any time. The renter is really the guest of the resort on owner's points, but are not members and should not expect any of the perks of a DVC owner.

I too find it strange that MS would consent to any requests from the renter, not owner, you must have had a great (or new) CM. The only thing I'm allowed (or expect) to have access to is the confirmation of the reservation number and my name on reservation.

If I were to be a DVC owner (definitely will be someday) I would expect the same as the other owners on this thread. REnters get the benefit of staying @ a DVC resort without the huge financial burden of owning a contract or paying annual dues.

I fully respect the owners I've rented from, and they extend me the same courtesy. I'm grateful I've found such awesome owners and don't expect or assume I will be treated like an owner. I'm perfectly happy to get the deal, the resort and points I've contracted for.

 

[brasey]

I think it is just the fact of them faxing the resevation around that is disturbing people. I for one see no problem with you wanting your name on it whether it be before or after you pay. As stated many times, the owner has all the rights so what does it really matter when you put the renters name on it. If it makes the renter feel more secure then it should be done. They are the ones who need more trust and feel more secure about the transaction.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...And then, I believe the exact quote was, "If you are a friend of an owner (which is how they refer to renters), then you are entitled to the member benefits while renting."

I understand if this upsets you, as you paid the money and feel that the perks should be reserved for those who have put out the money. However, there is no need to shoot the messenger. If you do not like this policy, you may want to contact MS and politely explain your side.

Here is just one of her mistakes. Unless you are a guest staying with the member, you are not entitled to any DVC perks. You are not entitled to any DVC perks if you are compensating the member for the use of their points. This information comes directly from DVC literature when we purchase.

It appears that MS needs education on how to take care of members.

I HAVE contacted DVC and asked them why they continue to provide this type of information to non-members. I'm waiting for their response.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Here is just one of her mistakes. Unless you are a guest staying with the member, you are not entitled to any DVC perks. You are not entitled to any DVC perks if you are compensating the member for the use of their points. This information comes directly from DVC literature when we purchase.

It appears that MS needs education on how to take care of members.

I HAVE contacted DVC and asked them why they continue to provide this type of information to non-members. I'm waiting for their response.

Thank you for clearing that up. And I would just like to clarify that I greatly appreciate the members from whom I have rented. I have always has such wonderful transactions.

Moreover, I have never expected MS to do anything for me, never expected member perks, etc. I have rented several times and this is the first time I was ever told that I was able to have such perks (I have never even asked before, b/c I just assumed that since I was not a member, I was not entitled to anything).

However, I have had info. faxed to me twice. When I called and asked the first time, it did not even occur to me that this would somehow be an issue. And since I had no problem getting a fax the first time, I asked for one again this time. Not sure where this falls in terms of DVC policy.

Again...maybe a new CM who does not know the policy or someone just feeling generous.

 

[crisi]

3Disneykids...I think the reason for the "hostility" (or just direct posts imo) is that owners pay quite a lot of money for their points/contracts and perks. It seems strange that a renter would assume they have any rights whatsoever to the reservation. As far as Disney is concerned, the owner can cancel or change the reservation at any time. The renter is really the guest of the resort on owner's points, but are not members and should not expect any of the perks of a DVC owner.

I too find it strange that MS would consent to any requests from the renter, not owner, you must have had a great (or new) CM. The only thing I'm allowed (or expect) to have access to is the confirmation of the reservation number and my name on reservation.

If I were to be a DVC owner (definitely will be someday) I would expect the same as the other owners on this thread. REnters get the benefit of staying @ a DVC resort without the huge financial burden of owning a contract or paying annual dues.

As a member using my own points, I call member services once - to make my reservation. When I call, I know what I want, what my alternative choices are, what requests I'm going to make. I know what points will be borrowed and which bank points will be used. Once the CM answers the phone, the transaction is completed in a few minutes.

(Next transaction will be day by day and I'll need to actually make SIX five minute calls - or use up half an hour of MS time - no wonder there is some concern about the stress day by day booking creates on MS.)

When its time to book dining, I book Disney Dining.

With ME, I make a second call closer to the trip when the air is arranged. Another five minute call.

Because members pay for MS CMs from our dues, a lot of members want the process to be quick and smooth. A fifteen minute transaction with the CM, or multiple fifteen minute transactions means that hold times increase and/or more CMs need to be hired. The first inconviences me when I need to call, the second increases my dues (by pennies, but its the principle of the thing). I really don't care if renters are creating inefficiencies in the process or my fellow members are - but renters have less incentive to keep the process efficient, and less knowledge so are less likely to be able to keep the process efficient.

Personally, I'd like to see MS not talk to anyone who can't provide a member number and the last four digits of thie SSN. Renters may be future members, but they aren't members yet, and I don't think MS should be getting in the middle of any transaction - between friends or for cash. There are some things, like ME, that are more efficient if the renter books it, but I still don't think MS should be involved. I don't see it as Disney's job (paid for with my dues - and therefore my job) to make the renter more secure or the renting member's task easier.

This isn't hostility, I just don't like having to contribute to running someone else's profit center (which is what renting is for some people).

 

[dianeschlicht]

Very well said, Crisi! I had no idea MS would even talk to non-members! I figured that was why we always had to give our member # and last 4 of SS.

 

[ZachnElli]

I'm a member who has rented recently, out of necessity, not profit. MS has told me several times that the renters are welcome to call and confirm their ressies and add ME and/or the dining plan. And I have no problem with telling my renters they are welcome to call. It only takes a few minutes, not 15. To all the rentees out there, all us actual renters are not this hostile, we are actually quite friendly and hope you have a great trip!

 

[Blue&Gold]

On principle, as an owner, I am opposed to "Member Services" becoming or acting as an alternate CRO for other owners. You rent your points, you deal with your clients, or share your proceeds.

 

[crisi]

I'm a member who has rented recently, out of necessity, not profit. MS has told me several times that the renters are welcome to call and confirm their ressies and add ME and/or the dining plan. And I have no problem with telling my renters they are welcome to call. It only takes a few minutes, not 15. To all the rentees out there, all us actual renters are not this hostile, we are actually quite friendly and hope you have a great trip!

And if all people renting points were renting for $6 or $7 (which is their approximate cost) and made sure that the renter had all the information up front, and didn't allow the renter to dink around with view requests and adding dining and "oh, I think I might want to switch resorts, can you see if anything is available at..., we've changed our flights, I need to add the dining plan, oh, I'm going to use the DDE, I need to cancel the dining plan." I wouldn't care. But I've hung on the resort board where people have made ten or twelve calls to CRO to change their requests or move their reservations around, add the dining plan, change their minds, add it again, book ME, change their air, call again - or use the opportunity chat and get gossip on Disney from the CM- and I don't want those people anywhere near a service I'm paying for out of my dues. And I've been here where people insist they've had no problem renting for $12 a point, which is a nice tidy profit.

Edited: Here is my other concern. Non-members aren't SUPPOSED to make any changes to the reservation. So lets say the member has a contract with the renter that says "full payment 90 days out." And one of these renters calls and cancels with MS 101 days out, and the nice MS CM lets them do it because, after all, its there name on the reservation and they do all sorts of stuff they aren't SUPPOSED to do with renters, what is the harm here? And everyone has the best of intentions, but no one clues the owner in on the change. And then the renter says, 90 days out "oh, I cancelled that, I'm not going to pay you." The member may be really stuck with points.

 

[thelionqueen]

Edited: Here is my other concern. Non-members aren't SUPPOSED to make any changes to the reservation. So lets say the member has a contract with the renter that says "full payment 90 days out." And one of these renters calls and cancels with MS 101 days out, and the nice MS CM lets them do it because, after all, its there name on the reservation and they do all sorts of stuff they aren't SUPPOSED to do with renters, what is the harm here? And everyone has the best of intentions, but no one clues the owner in on the change. And then the renter says, 90 days out "oh, I cancelled that, I'm not going to pay you." The member may be really stuck with points.

First of all, renters cannot change anything on the reservation whatsoever. The only thing non-members can do is add ME or the dining plan or requests. They cannot change ANYTHING, not even the spelling of the name if it's wrong. I noticed the spelling of my name was incorrect. I contacted the owner and he changed it on the reservation.

Only DVC owners can make changes or cancel a reservation.
I'd like to applaud zachnElli for your post. If MS doesn't have a problem confirming a reservation for a non-owner, why should it bother anyone else? I agree that a non-owner with unreasonable requests or ones that take a considerable amount of MS time would be annoying, but they are not the majority.

Honestly, the ones who are most vulnerable in the renting points transaction is the renter. They have to trust that the owner makes and KEEPS the reservation for the renter. It would be very easy for an owner to cancel the reservation after it's been paid for in full and the renter is just out of luck. I think the renters are getting a bad rap on this thread (with the exception of ZachnElli).

Most renters that I've read posts from or gotten referrals to/from are very considerate, understanding and upstanding citizens. For some reason, renters seem to have a reputation as poor folk who can't afford a deluxe so they bottom feed by renting points to stay @ a DVC property; this is just not the case in general.

I am from an upper-middle class home and I rent points because it is a great value. Could I afford Deluxe accomodations..absolutely. Do I want to pay the rates @ a deluxe to stay there..absolutely not. I try to save money whenever and wherever I can. Renting points gets the rentee a quality renter that puts a few extra $$ in their pocket if they cannot use their points, and gets me accomodations that I love at a great price. It's a win/win situation.

I personally think that the "attack" style comments are from owners who don't rent at all and think that anyone who does rent them out is somehow devaluing their contracts,wasting their dues and/or allowing "less desirables" (non-owners) to stay @ their DVC resort....just my .02

 

[CarolMN]

Some of you need to review the DIS posting guidelines.

DISboards.com Guidelines

There's no need to be rude or to attack other posters - especially if the poster is just posting her/her experience.

 

[krdisneybound]

Currently I have 3 pending reservations to non-DVC members and when the original ressies were made, it went extremely well.

No contract at all. I think contracts in this instance are not necessary.

The renter(s) asked for certain dates, I called MS and arranged the stays and then notified the non members that all was scheduled. By the time $$'s were received by the non-members, I had the confirmation from MS, which had the renters names on it, and at that time forwarded the confirmation to the non-members.

If the dining was not made at that time, MS advised me that the non-member could call and add it before check-in, if the decided to add it.

Over the past 5 years I have done this numerous times and absolutely no problems at all. There has to be trust on both sides.

I am sure a DVC member in good standing would not want to have their membership or names slandered due to not standing by the ressie and cancelling for no reason. Just does not make sense.

In the past I have always gotten e-mails from the non-members who rented from me stating that it was a wonderful experience. As a result, they seem to come back and rent from me at a later date.

 

[Figment2]

Deb & Bill - any response yet from Member Services? I had a conversation with member services last month about rentees receiving member benefits as I have a real problem with it. As far as I am concerned, a rentee is due a room, no more no less. The fact that some are actually accepting member benefits (free parking, restaurant discounts or more) is ludicrous.

Too, any requests, whether it is regarding the room, dining plan or ME should be called in by the member not the rentee. MS should definitely not be making dinner reservations.

If this sounds elitist, then so be it. I have a blue card and I worked very hard to get it.

Cyn

 

[3DisneyKids]

We seem to have gotten a bit off topic here. The OP asked about experiences renting, not about what benefits and/or contact information (if any) renters should have. I think that this is a good topic to discuss...and obviously there is an interest in this topic with good and valuable opinions on both sides. Perhaps we should start a new thread to address these issues.

But back to topic...I have been a renter several times and have had wonderful experiences with great owners. For my part, I have paid promptly and in-full, and maintained excellent communication with the owners.

 

[ZachnElli]

Edited: Here is my other concern. Non-members aren't SUPPOSED to make any changes to the reservation. So lets say the member has a contract with the renter that says "full payment 90 days out." And one of these renters calls and cancels with MS 101 days out, and the nice MS CM lets them do it because, after all, its there name on the reservation and they do all sorts of stuff they aren't SUPPOSED to do with renters, what is the harm here? And everyone has the best of intentions, but no one clues the owner in on the change. And then the renter says, 90 days out "oh, I cancelled that, I'm not going to pay you." The member may be really stuck with points.

No, every CM at MS I have spoken to knows the rules. They said the rentees could call and add on ME or the dining plan, but could not change the actual ressie. And if (and that's a big IF) a rentee called to cancel and a CM slipped and let them, I would not be out anything. I expect and have received full payment upon confirmation of the rentee's ressie. I have nothing booked until Sept and some as late as Dec. and have received full payments for all the ressies, well over 90 days out. I had one cancel to take advantage of the free dining plan. I refunded her money after I got another rentee. I made it clear to her if I could not rent out my points, I would not be refunding her money or canceling her reservation. But quite frankly, if she was going to compare a BWV studio with a Boardwalk view to a value or even moderate resort with free dining, then DVC wasn't for her anyway.

 

[Sammie]

I will agree if any Members are upset with the services that Member Services is providing to Renters, I would be talking to them.

That is the only way they are going to know it matters to you.