Help: Is it safe to rent from Private Owners?

[travelinggnomes]

We are looking at renting a condo from a private owner. They are a part of this homeowner's group: http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/default.aspx

The owner has agreed to accept paypal as the form of payment.

I have only rented through a well known site like VRBO or from Ebay, so I am a little hesitant. Does anything here send up a red flag to any of you? Any reason for me to be nervous? Anything I can do to insure that things go well?

THANKS!

 

[Ametista]

Its the official website for Windsor Palms. I would not worry, if it were me. Get a signed contract and use a verifiable payment source. Paypal almost always sides with the buyer so you should be fine in anything bizarre happened.

 

[4forMe]

It looks safe; however, I don't like that you can't see any reviews of the homes. Each owner maintains their home differently, and there are several different management companies used throughout the subdivision. Personally, I would prefer using vrbo or homeaway so that I can read through reviews of the properties before making a decision.

 

[travelinggnomes]

It looks safe; however, I don't like that you can't see any reviews of the homes. Each owner maintains their home differently, and there are several different management companies used throughout the subdivision. Personally, I would prefer using vrbo or homeaway so that I can read through reviews of the properties before making a decision.

We normally rent through such places as well. For several reasons (budget, closeness in time, and 9 days instead of 7), we are running into some issues finding a place on the typical sites.

That said, I did just email the homeowner's association president and asked if they could provide references for the owner. Once that comes through, I will feel a lot better.

 

[marcray]

Hi travelinggnomes

You might want to read this thread http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3203946

You'll find very good and useful information. There is a list of what to ask the owner.

 

[travelinggnomes]

Hi travelinggnomes

You might want to read this thread http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3203946

You'll find very good and useful information. There is a list of what to ask the owner.

Thanks! I have asked many of those questions already, and I checked the link provided there to match county records. (Their last name matches, but the first names don't. I am thinking maybe the rental is in an older parent's name and then the adult children manage it.) The president of the Windsor Palms homeowner's association messaged me back, and confirmed that the rental is in good standing and that the owners I am dealing with have been a part of the home owner's group for many years. He also stated that they were trustworthy and many report them to be very accommodating.

With all of this information, I feel safe renting from them now. Thanks for the help!!!