How do I protect myself from potential tenant damage if I rent my points?

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I'd really appreciate some advice. We are going to have to cancel our trip and I'd like to rent the reservation. I've been a "tenant" before but never on the renting end.

The only thing that makes me nervous is the fact that I would be responsible for any damage done by someone I don't know. I know it's not likely, but still. I will use a contract to protect both renter and tenant. Can I include a clause that, worst case, legally requires that, if Disney determines damages have occurred, I could take the renter to small claims court in my state? Any other ideas?

Thanks for any help (handholding?) you can give me!

 

[twinklebug]

Sorry you have to cancel, Excellent question though - I'm interested in hearing how to handle this if I or any friends ever need it.

Don't forget the case where someone (here) rented their reservation out to a person who used a stolen or fake credit card to put down on the room. Disney came after the owner for all room charges (substantial) when they were denied payment by the credit card company.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Yikes! Thanks for telling me about this one. I hadn't heard.

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

good luck

 

[Mike2023]

Not sure what you can really do. Get yourself a good rental agreement. In the end disney will come after you, and you will go after your renter.

there are always risks involved.

You could use a rental service like the one that sponsors this forum. Im sure they would have something in place to protect members.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Not sure even an iron clad rental agreement can protect you from fraud or intentional acts of abuse. I have only rented once, but I feel you have to talk to the person on the phone at some point. Don't just work it out by email. Of course you want someone with good and long DIS standing, but I found comfort in speaking directly with the renter and relied a lot on my gut feeling from the conversation. I also was fortunate that I was able to Google this person and found a good reputation. So, I guess for me it has most to do with deciding what kind of person I'm dealing with... How easy is it to make contact, and what is my gut telling about what I've HEARD in conversation.

 

[disneynutz]

There is no protection and the owner is responsible for any damages and unpaid charges to the room. A contract is only a document of understanding. If something should happen, the owner would have to sue and win the court case, then collect. Usually the cost isn't worth the trouble and the courts do not enforce collections.

Bill