Questions to ask when renting a condo

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

When you are looking at renting a vacation house or condo what questions do you ask?

I may be renting a condo for 5 nights and I'm not sure what to ask about since I've never done it before.

I've tried the search feature and looked through 3 pages but didn't see that anyone had asked this question.

Thanks.

 

[dougsmom98]

I always just ask them if they have availability for my dates and if they would give me a quote that includes all taxes, fees, and pool/spa heat (if applicable). If their web site didn't mention check in and check out times, I ask that. I do a ton of research and usually only rent from people who have tons of info on their web site such as bed size, number of TVs, whether or not they have wireless...so I don't have too many questions. When I narrow it down to the place I think I want to rent and I already have my initial quote, I check tax records to verify ownership and ask how they accept payment (check, credit card, PayPal...).

 

[coltfan]

How do you check tax records?

 

[KayR]

There's a set of useful questions/things to consider when renting a vacation rental here:
http://www.vacation-rentals-orlando.net/home-sweet-home/

Tax records can be searched by name or address here:
https://www.osceola.county-taxes.com/public

Kay

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Thanks for the links KayR. Very handy.

I did get turned down for the condo I was interested in. The problem was our dates were Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights in July at a beach.

The condo owner didn't want to take a chance on someone wanting to rent the whole week and miss out on the income.
No worries though. I kept checking the little motel we wanted to get that is right on the beach and because of a cancellation was able to get Saturday, Sunday and Monday night in July there and now I'm just looking for anyplace near my sisters place for the first 2 nights.

I don't know how folks can wait to make their plans last minute. We wouldn't have anyplace to stay if we did that!

 

[VickyJ]

Owner communication does it for me.
I have just rented a condo on reunion. I emailed four people one of them returned my email with just the price nothing else at all when i asked for details he just said " you pay then i will get you keys" no thank, name, nothing ! needless to say we did not choose him or his villa. There is a great deal to be said for communicatoin.
Thanks
Vicky

 

[RalphiesRedRyder]

I'll second the owner communication. I'm looking for attention to detail. It gives me confidence that they'll give their attention later on, especially if there happens to be an issue that needs addressing.

Here are the basics I like to know:

1) What is required to make a reservation?
2) Whom do we contact if something goes wrong during our stay?
3) What will we be responsible for when we check out?
4) When is checkout time?
5) What is your change/cancellation policy?

Thanks.