DVC Rental company or find an owner here?

[asreedy82]

Have you considered a Saratoga Springs treehouse? Three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a kitchen and living room.

I have heard its a really nice resort, but I'm trying to avoid having to use the bus all the time.

 

[SL6827]

I've used David's, DVC Rental Store, and 4 private owners. I personally do not recommend the Rental Store as I've had multiple issues (two confirmed reservations not actually existing - 1 I had paid for, but in fairness got $ back quickly, a canceled reservation that they refused to remove my name from, not wanting to refund their short lived travel assistance when they couldn't secure my reservation, etc.)

I've never had an issue with David's, but my preference is established members on the DIS. Those that have many posts, members a long time, use contracts, etc.

My travel insurance paid without issue for a David's reservation. The documentation David's gave was perfect. YMMV.

What travel insurance company did you go through, if you dont mind saying?

 

[nw6675]

https://www.johnhancocktravel.com/

Disclaimer that it was a cancel for any reason policy during the pandemic in case that changes how they process current claims. I just had to prove it was nonrefundable.

 

[mort1331]

This is reassuring for trying to find an owner. There is still a rental agreement that is signed, right?

Not all have signed rental agreements. I am one. They, IMHO, are not worth anything and try getting them enforced. Just ask the rental companies during 2020. Rental from anyone, including the rental companies comes down to huge trust on both side. Hence why there is a discount from going with Disney direct.

Have you checked some of the Facebook groups? Don’t know if it will save you money but it will definitely increase your odds of getting your room.

Don’t know if the DIS is more or less secure but I like that on the Facebook groups you can get references from previous renters that’s unfortunately not an option on the DIS.

Also have in mind renting is not for everyone, it requires trust from both parties.

I know some owners allow you to rebook should your plan change - of course within the limit of when the points expire.

I have to disagree. You can, and I have given out references on here. If anything, IMHO, there have been more numbers of scams on FB then anywhere else. Here there is a little vetting, not much, but you can also see history here.

If an owner does NOT offer a contact, run.

DVC ownership rules require owners who rent to use contracts. It's in OUR agreement with Disney.

Yes but does not say what needs to be in the contract or how it is worded. Just agreeing to rent at a set price is a contract. So getting a wordy one with electronic signatures does not change. Plus Disney does not help either side if something goes wrong.


It all comes down to trust and gut.
Good luck in your search,,,,if you will be up late at nights do to stress from wondering if the rental is good, instead of up at night thinking of how great the memories will be....Go Direct and ease all fears. Its ok to go with the Allstars, or Mods...We have had some great vacations there, even with our DVC...sometimes we run out of points.

 

[Cyberc1978]

I have to disagree. You can, and I have given out references on here. If anything, IMHO, there have been more numbers of scams on FB than anywhere else. Here there is a little vetting, not much, but you can also see history here.

I know there are scams on Facebook unfortunately that’s done by new users and if renters did more or better due diligence then it wouldn’t happen.

Here on DIS you could experience sort of the same. I don’t see a vetting here, a scammer could have multiple user accounts and using them to provide references to a potential renter and you wouldn’t know.

 

[lilsonicfan]

If an owner does NOT offer a contact, run.

DVC ownership rules require owners who rent to use contracts. It's in OUR agreement with Disney.

I rented out some points/reservations on Facebook and candidly told the renters I don't have a contract. I don't see any legal advantage to the renter to have a formalized contract. The agreement itself for them to pay me money and me to make them a reservation is already a contract. If they were going to sue, they could do so without a formalized contract because there is a contract and the terms are pretty simple.

 

[mort1331]

I know there are scams on Facebook unfortunately that’s done by new users and if renters did more or better due diligence then it wouldn’t happen.

Here on DIS you could experience sort of the same. I don’t see a vetting here, a scammer could have multiple user accounts and using them to provide references to a potential renter and you wouldn’t know.

True but that is a lot of work for scammers. Plus if they look and the person has been on here more than 5 years,,again good sign. But I hear ya.

 

[LAX]

I think brokers are thriving partly because of the risks of being scammed. It's always better to cut out the middleman, IMHO, but it's difficult to figure out who the legit owners are on any board/site. I think looking for DIS members who have a long history of active/semi-active participation would be a good start. Like someone mentioned earlier, it's tough to build a history only to scam.

LAX

 

[Genie+]

I think brokers are thriving partly because of the risks of being scammed. It's always better to cut out the middleman, IMHO, but it's difficult to figure out who the legit owners are on any board/site. I think looking for DIS members who have a long history of active/semi-active participation would be a good start. Like someone mentioned earlier, it's tough to build a history only to scam.

LAX

The other thing is DVC is complicated. It is not an easy scam to pull off without devoting major time and energy.

 

[FeliciaB23]

Ihave my heart set on BC due to its close proximity to HS and EPCOT... That and I'm most excited about the pool! Thanks!

I’m not sure when you’re looking to go but the beach club / yacht club pool will be closed from January 2025 - May 2025. Just fyi in case your dates fall between then.

 

[asreedy82]

I’m not sure when you’re looking to go but the beach club / yacht club pool will be closed from January 2025 - May 2025. Just fyi in case your dates fall between then.

We’re hoping for the (details removed) but that’s good to know! Thanks!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I said 2 families because when you exclude Pack 'n Plays, we only need 4 beds. It'll technically be 3 families: me, my wife, and our 2 kids who will be 6yo and 18months; my parents (who said they'd take the pull-out sofa); and my brother, his wife, and their 2yo. On paper, it seems like a good amount of space. Before our newest was born, we regularly would share a 2-queen room at GF with my wife's cousin and her husband, so we're used to cramming. We could probably do a 1-bedroom plus a studio, but I think that's 20% more than 2-bedroom alone.

If I could just convince my wife to buy a DVC contract, this would be way easier LOL... at least in my mind

You parents will be on the pull out??? Unless the refurbs are finished and it has been converted to a Murphy bed, It’s super uncomfortable. I flat out refuse to sleep on a pull out (too old), let alone put my mom on one.

In this situation I’d actually think quite strongly about 3 studios, or 2 studios and a 1BD if the grandparents want a communal place to hang out and everyone wants access to a kitchen and laundry.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

Personally, I rent a lot of points without issue.
If someone needs something, they reach out to me, no middle man,
If something changes in the renter's vacation plans and I can help them, I do it,

I have tried using the rental stores a few times to rent out my points, it just seems always to be a hassle,
If it is a hassle for me as an owner, I can only imagine what its like for the renters,

You can do your own due diligence and vet owners, and as with anything in life if the deal doesn't feel right, don't do it.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

If an owner does NOT offer a contact, run.

DVC ownership rules require owners who rent to use contracts. It's in OUR agreement with Disney.

I have never seen this in the DVC contracts; I am not saying it is not there, just wondering where it is.

However, I totally agree with your first point; from a legality standpoint, anything that is more than a year out, or over $500 dollars should ALWAYS be in writing.

 

[asreedy82]

You parents will be on the pull out??? Unless the refurbs are finished and it has been converted to a Murphy bed, It’s super uncomfortable. I flat out refuse to sleep on a pull out (too old), let alone put my mom on one.

In this situation I’d actually think quite strongly about 3 studios, or 2 studios and a 1BD if the grandparents want a communal place to hang out and everyone wants access to a kitchen and laundry.

Lol my mom volunteered! But that’s good info. I honestly just assumed the pull out would be comfortable. I haven’t had an uncomfortable bed at Disney yet so I figured they just have nice stuff. Lots to consider!

 

[kevtlas]

I rent my points out here often and have rented points from other owners, also from these boards. Never had any issues in either direction, even during COVID. Just make sure you agree with all of the renter’s policies and iron out anything you are unsure/uncomfortable with before committing. There are plenty of owners renting, so if you are not totally comfortable with the way a renter wants to do business, just say thanks and find another that you are comfortable with. If you are set on a certain location and it’s hard to get, the 11-month window will likely be a necessity, which can limit options some. Good luck!