How can we educate the renters

[Deb & Bill]

There are people out there that do this as a business -- for profit. A case in point is dvcrequest dot com.

AKA Daddio? I believe he asks to be listed as an Associate member on your contract. Then he handles your rentals.

 

[DVC Mike]

AKA Daddio? I believe he asks to be listed as an Associate member on your contract. Then he handles your rentals.

I would never list a third party as an Associate Member on my DVC membership.

 

[DVC Mike]

In order to reduce future problems and issues due to potential renters not having an understanding of the DVC timeshare system and how if differs from a hotel reservation, we should ask potential renters if they've read the various FAQS (or even review the differences with the renter) before discussing making a reservation. Even though I do not rent, I wouldn't start the process with anyone until I was sure they had this basic understanding. Otherwise, I'd be asking for problems.

The information I would review with potential renters would include what I've posted at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863 , for example. If a potential renter understood this, then I would feel comfortable working with them. If not, no thanks.

 

[JimMIA]

Another thread I'd love to see all prospective renters read is this cautionary tale of a person who defrauded at least three people that I know of, and attempted to defraud at least three others. Actual rip-offs almost never happen in DVC rentals, but this is the exception that proves the rule.

Here's the link: Sad Story of One Who Trusted Without Checking

"Sad Story..." is an interesting thread on several levels.

• First, it's indeed a sad story of three people who lost about $3,000 to a crook.
• Second, it's easily the most civil thread in DIS history -- 59 pages without a single silly argument.
• And third, if you read far enough, you will find a tremendous outpouring of support for the victims. The thread really shows the DIS community at its very best.

 

[mikron]

Don't understand your problems with renting. My brother, Sister and I have been renting for years, no problem. Might be you don't understand the system, have the renter on a 3 way call to MS that way you book what is available not go back to ask renter if this or that is ok. 7 month 11 month not a problem, have a calendar in front of you when calling MS, MS couldn't be more helpful with any questions or trying to make what you want to work within the system rules.

 

[Dean]

Don't understand your problems with renting. My brother, Sister and I have been renting for years, no problem. Might be you don't understand the system, have the renter on a 3 way call to MS that way you book what is available not go back to ask renter if this or that is ok. 7 month 11 month not a problem, have a calendar in front of you when calling MS, MS couldn't be more helpful with any questions or trying to make what you want to work within the system rules.

After years on this board my feeling is that some people just have a problem with renting. As such, many of the posts that are negative stem from that, IMO. They won't generally truly say "I hate renting and those that rent" but that's ultimately whey they mean. Here are some key phrases to that attitude. They usually begin something like "I think people should only rent ...."

• to other members
• to relatives.
• for dues
• for no more than X amount (usually far less than market).
• last minute when dues will expire.
• rarely.

I'm sure I'll come up with others later. You'll also see remarks after the fact to the effect "that's what you get for renting" when something goes wrong. And you'll get name calling and labeling usually associated with the word "business or professional renter" based on whatever their perception of the words are.

 

[bblanch]

Another thread I'd love to see all prospective renters read is this cautionary tale of a person who defrauded at least three people that I know of, and attempted to defraud at least three others. Actual rip-offs almost never happen in DVC rentals, but this is the exception that proves the rule.

Here's the link: Sad Story of One Who Trusted Without Checking

"Sad Story..." is an interesting thread on several levels.

• First, it's indeed a sad story of three people who lost about $3,000 to a crook.
• Second, it's easily the most civil thread in DIS history -- 59 pages without a single silly argument.
• And third, if you read far enough, you will find a tremendous outpouring of support for the victims. The thread really shows the DIS community at its very best.

Hey Jim thanks for the link. I'm a rookie to this DVC stuff and that was a very interesting and informative read.

 

[JimMIA]

Hey Jim thanks for the link. I'm a rookie to this DVC stuff and that was a very interesting and informative read.

Just keep a little perspective. That is the ONLY time I know of in which a renter has actually been defrauded. That woman is the only crook I've heard of on these boards.

There are hundreds (probably thousands) of DVC rentals each year, and virtually all of them go off without any serious problems.

 

[Queenie16]

I am posting as one who has RENTED successfully and happily from the SAME person who I happened to come across on this board four years ago. After reading some of the posts in this thread, I suppose that some luck, along with crossing my fingers, played into my success. Of course I am always nervous but things always play out for us! For instance, we got "upgraded" from a standard to boardwalk view in 2005 days before leaving! What a surprise as we were never expecting it!!! I will not lie, there is a degree in trust on both parts when doing transactions such as this. I live in NJ and rented from a GREAT man in CA........two coasts and many time zones apart from one another. In November of 2008, it will be our THIRD time renting from him. Although I have never met him but he does reply promptly to all of my requested needs. He even called me one day when I had a burning question about our reservation and was very nervous! I continue to refer him to my friends when I tell them about my FANTASTIC experiences with him! IF anyone is ever looking for a GREAT renter, in me, and my contact cannot accommodate my needs, please feel free to PM me! We really do enjoy staying at the DVC every year, although we don't want to be actual members. Thank you for reading. Please feel free to PM me if you need to.

 

[LSchrow]

If I ever try to rent again, I would never start a "Points to Rent" thread. I'd lurk and cherry-pick the "Reservations Wanted" ads by people who a) are planning far in advance, b) at a time of year that minimizes the risks for my UY, and c)who know what they want. I'd leave the high-maintenance renters to others. Even being that selective, there will be no shortage of issues to resolve, but at least I won't be starting out with problems.

firstly, i don't often rent out our points (especially now that we've opted for APs ). my first experience was less than stellar, with many, many hours spent, the renter changing resorts, room sizes & finally dates. when, after a few weeks, he stated that he would start checking airfare "soon", i decided it was time to part ways .
from that point on, i "cherry picked" & have only great experiences! as with many on DIS, i enjoy planning a vacation, whether mine or someone elses. we do use a contract (have my own, a compilation of others, with my exact terms added), provide frequent contact including my e-mail & snail mail addys & phone # (to help build a level of trust & comfort ~ they are handing thousands of $'s to a stranger ), & offer suggestions & advice.
the end result was helping 2 very nice families have great vacations (love to see pics of the vaca ) & cultivating new friendships, all while making a little of my dues back.
i would prob rent out again if needed, but as jim said, only with the hand-picked, it makes for a much more pleasurable experience.

 

[Jules123]

I rented last year from a wonderful DIS'er and had an absolutely fantastic vacation! I read everything I could find on the subject before I rented and everything went very smoothly. That is the key. Prospective renters SHOULD do some research before beginning the process. I see so many people posting looking for points who don't even know how many points they need when they post. I'm currently in the process of trying to find someone to rent points from for our vacation this year. Now I just have to convince my DH to buy in!

 

[jjctfields]

As for the rent or not posts: take into consideration that there are many who are not so willing to jump into a multi-thousand dollar investment. This is our way of testing the waters without being taken to the cleaners if we are not sold out on the idea. Need only to look at the foreclosure and condo market to have an example.

I have found a lot of reading to be very helpful. The DIS boards have very good stickys that guide new renters pretty well. I think I understand. Bottom line: ANYONE who is planning on going to Disney should:
1. Do the homework;
2. Decide the who, what, when, where;
3. Set it in stone and short of a death (your own), should not cancel a reservation.

Communication is key and I am confident that when we decide this (rent) is the route we want to go, it will be smooth and fun!

Many of the nay-sayers who said they would rather give away the points than rent....uh, I would love them. I know when and where I want to go next Christmas.

Waiting to pull the trigger for my first rent trip...

 

[ITGirl50]

We rented twice and it was very easy. My DH did all the work. We didn't change our reservations and we knew what we wanted and how much we were willing to pay. We knew how many points it took, etc. I think that if you just look for renters like this, you will be okay.

I have to admit, I was very scared to rent. I was afraid we would arrive at BWV and the reservations would be canceled. IMHO, the price to rent is dirt cheap because there is some risk involved. But, after two times, I wasn't willing to take that risk, and then we started using our annual pass discount on rooms. Now we own and can do what we want and we only have to trust MS !!

 

[rinkwide]

...Now we own and can do what we want and we only have to trust MS...

Yeah, because those reservations never get screwed up.