Question about vacation rental process...

[DisneyGirlz]

We normally stay onsite, but we're going to try something new this time and I need some advice. We've decided on a rental and the owner has sent us the short-term lease agreement. It all seems legit, but I'm nervous about sending a check with our deposit without knowing anything about the owner, etc. Also, the owner requests the payment in full be made with a cashiers check or money order, so that freaks me out even more, that if it wasn't legitimate there would be no recourse and I would be out hundreds of dollars. Somebody tell me I can feel safer about the process!!!

 

[Freaky]

Have you checked the owner out on their local county tax appraisers site? Also ask who is their management company and give them a call to verify all is fine.

Perhaps see if their management company will take payment by credit card for them as you prefer to use this method - it may cost you 3-5% more due to extra charges but will give you a little more security.

If you have found the home and booked via the Homeaway network they are operating a 'Rent with Confidence Guarantee' when you register a qualifed trip - this includes site such as VRBO, Cyberrentals etc.

Asking for additional information from the owner should not be any problem if there is nothing to hide.

Tracey

 

[sympatico]

Where did you find the rental listing, on what website? It is normal for them to request a money order. You can ask if you could pay by Credit card through their management company.
If you know their name which you must then look up the property on the tax records site. If you want to PM me the info I can help with that.
Also if you used any of the Homeaway sites you can go to this site for a guarantee: http://guarantee.homeaway.com/
The sites that it covers are across the top of that page.

 

[sympatico]

WOW Freaky, now that was freaky that we were giving the same information at the same time but you beat me.

 

[DisneyGirlz]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did find it on a homeaway website, so I was able to register it. I'm going to look around for the tax info. If I can't find anything, I'll pm you. Thanks again.

 

[FoggyToad]

Both times we've rented a vacation home through vrbo.com, the owners have requested payment in full prior to check in. Both of them had us send a personal check. It was a bit scary at first but guarantee through Homeaway really helped make us feel better. Things went great with both rentals I'm happy to say. Good luck with yours.

 

[sympatico]

The tax appraiser site for Kissimmee is: http://www.property-appraiser.org/
Just do a basic search using last name first.
For Davenport use this site: http://polkpa.org/CamaDisplay.aspx

 

[deejay-55]

There's always an element of trust when renting from an ownert - you are trusting the owner to rent you his vacation home, and he/she is trusting you to treat it with respect.