Kinda freaking out about renting a house or condo...

[MommyPoppins]

We've been staying off site for a few years, but have been staying at WBC. We're going in Feb, and WBC is super expensive at this time of year, so we are going to rent through VRBO/Homeaway this time.

I never thought much of it until looking here and seeing that it's possible to pay, show up and there be no rental.

I've seen people saying to look online at registry of deeds for Osceola County, but most of the rentals on the homeaway app or website, don't even list names of owners. How/what do I search?

 

[Jedimom]

Before you put down a deposit, email owner. They'll send you a contract. It should disclose property address and owner's name. Some even have the contracts linked with the "book now" or "pay now" function on the website....meaning that to book you already have to sign a contract and put a deposit down at the same time. That's how it worked for the last two I booked.

 

[katallo]

Jedimom is right. We found the same thing at WBC in March, so we rented through VRBO in Reunion. So far, have had a wonderful experience with the owners. I also found that speaking with the owners provided me with a sense of assurance.

 

[dja14]

Ours for August has a contract as well. We and our friends and family have rented condos and houses many times in several locations (for over 20 years). We've never had any problems, although I am sure there are some, it just doesn't seem to be that often.