Is it best to pay an overseas rental property owner with paypal?

[Kellydelly]

The person renting their home to us said he usually does bank transfers to get his payment for security and the rental (he is in the UK). I asked him if he has a paypal account and he does, of course I would have to pay the extra fees for going that route. Is it safer for me to use paypal? I think it will cost me an extra $30 or so in fees to do that. Any advice? TIA!

 

[jenks0718]

The owner I may be renting from is in the UK as well and she wants me to send payment via PayPal as well. She didnt indicate there would be any additional fee though.

 

[torismom]

I accept paypal for payment on our rental home and eat the fees. I feel it is a small % in being able to receive money via credit card or instant transfer.

In the US we are not legally allowed to ask for the the persons giving us money to cover the fees.However, the UK paypal does not have this rule.

 

[caa1000]

The person renting their home to us said he usually does bank transfers to get his payment for security and the rental (he is in the UK). I asked him if he has a paypal account and he does, of course I would have to pay the extra fees for going that route. Is it safer for me to use paypal? I think it will cost me an extra $30 or so in fees to do that. Any advice? TIA!

Paypal does offer a Money Back Guarantee and they have a policy regarding the goods and services that must be delivered. So, my advise is that you follow the Paypal's golden rule, when paying your contact.

 

[Brian Noble]

What does the wire transfer from your bank cost? It may be comparable.

I'd view the $30 as insurance in case something goes wrong, and it's a small price to pay compared to what the rental is probably costing you.

 

[minnie29uk]

The person renting their home to us said he usually does bank transfers to get his payment for security and the rental (he is in the UK). I asked him if he has a paypal account and he does, of course I would have to pay the extra fees for going that route. Is it safer for me to use paypal? I think it will cost me an extra $30 or so in fees to do that. Any advice? TIA!

Do you mean safer in terms of the money not getting lost in the post?
I usually have renters pay me by cheque.I have on occasion had credit card payment and a couple of times guests have wired money into my account.All have arrived safely and on time.
My return of security deposit has always been by cheque in the post.

Have a great holiday,

Lynn

 

[Kellydelly]

I know that paypal offers protection through ebay and other purchases like that, but a home rental? Would it really protect me any more than sending a check? I think the only thing it does is give instant payment. Oh, and I can use my credit card and earn some Marriott points !

 

[Kellydelly]

I know that paypal offers protection through ebay and other purchases like that, but a home rental? Would it really protect me any more than sending a check? I think the only thing it does is give instant payment. Oh, and I can use my credit card and earn some Marriott points !

 

[sammi]

We'll be in our first vacation villa retal next week and our owner is from the UK and we paid him with Paypal.....I've never used Paypal but it was very easy and we didn't incurr any charges. I just set everything up with my credit card and then he was paid through Paypal.

 

[horseshowmom]

Paypal would probably be fine, but I'd still use my credit card to do it. I'm more comfortable with the cc company taking care of any problems.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

In the US we are not legally allowed to ask for the the persons giving us money to cover the fees.However, the UK paypal does not have this rule.

Actually, this is untrue. UK PayPal users have not been able to surcharge eBay buyers since June 2004. From the User Agreement:

http://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/policy_payments-outside

No Surcharges. You agree that you will not impose a surcharge or any other fee for accepting PayPal as payment on eBay.co.uk.

However, since this is not an eBay transaction, I do not believe that it is a PayPal violation for the seller to add a surcharge. If anyone knows differently, please post.

And if you use your credit card to fund a PayPal purchase, you will be protected, either by PayPal or through your credit card company.