Rental agreement question...UPDATE POST#12

[kimbac3]

Hello, I asked for a rental agreement from the person we are renting a home from in November. She sent me an email stating the facts. But we still don't have anything signed. I sent my deposit via paypal. I'm just nervous about this. Last year we rented from a home owner from Maine and we had a contract signed by July. This home owner is from the UK, do they do things differently there? I called her management company and it seems legit (Someone answered the phone number I called that was listed on the web site she directed me to)
Am I overreacting or should I be concerned?????

Thanks,
Kimba

 

[kilee]

All of the people I rented from Oversea's have always sent me a contract too. How long ago did you pay your deposit?? Remember that the actual mail can take a few weeks (3-4 weeks even).

 

[JANNYANS]

Most owners would have some form of contract they would ask you to sign so you can both see exactly under what terms you are renting but there are those who don't .As Kilee has said the mail between the 2 countries can take a while I have been waiting over 6 weeks for something to arrive in Tampa. Could the owner e mail you the forms and then you could retrun them either to them in the UK or the man co in Florida.

 

[kimbac3]

I paid my deposit January 26th. Quite a long time ago! I had emailed her and asked for a rental agreement. She sent me an email with the facts (house location, dates, amount of deposit, amount owed) Very informal. Maybe when I pay the balance She'll send something to sign, but I kind of want to read the agreement before I send the balance. I'm thinking I need to bring a credit card with me in case I need to book something last minute- UGH!!! I don't know what to do. I did save and print all of our email correspondence.
I'm just nervous. Having a place to stay is a big deal. Thanks for your help so far!
KImba

 

[Brian Noble]

This could just be a very informal owner---one who hasn't yet had any legal trouble with a renter.

I would think that, as long as the management company checks out, and the owner's name on the tax rolls matches the name you have, you're probably fine.

 

[isla bonita]

Homes are owned by many different types of people and as we know there are many different ways to do things. If you have questions just ask. You are spending a lot of $ so ask the questions from the source. We can only speculate to have the absolute answers ask the questions.

I would not have a problem with people questioning me? I am taking a lot of hard to come by $ from them. they do not know me from adam. I also are giving my biggest investment other then my children to a complete stranger. Hoping beyond hope that it is still standing when we get there again. I try to talk to who ever is renting our home. I do not want them to have any surprises. when they get there. I would hope that they have taken a good look see and think it might be a good fit for their group.

We depend on you all for our mortgage payments ask the questions and if they don't have the answers you want to hear might be a good idea to move on but I bet they will be very fourth coming and might have slipped there mind about the lease. Good luck and have a great time at the villa.

 

[kimbac3]

How can I find out if her name is on the tax rolls? I'm not sure what county Davenport is. Is this public record or something? The mangement company is Terry's Vacation Homes. Anyone familar with them??
Thank you all so much for your help!!
Kimba


UPDATED TO ADD: I did find the tax record for this home and it does indeed match who I'm renting from. That makes me feel a bit better!

 

[minnie29uk]

Hi!
The very first thing I do is send my booking form to be signed and sent with deposit.
I would never rent if there was not a signed agreement
Maybe its a new owner and they are still learning about the best way to run this business.

Regards,
Lynn

 

[kimbac3]

Just to update you all...I emailed the management co., they didn't have us booked for my dates...PANIC!!!! The management co then emailed the owner who took care of the date problem..relax a little . She (the owner) then asked if she could help with anything, I mentioned the lack of a signed agreement and she emailed back that she'll put one in the mail right away! YAH!! Relax more!
Now once I get it, read it and sign it I'll be very relaxed!!
Thanks to everyone for their advice!!!
Kimba

 

[pilgrimage]

She can fax or email you the contract. That would be faster.

 

[LauraAnn630]

Ok now Im worried! We are renting a villa and we do not have a signed contract. We have a bunch of printed out emails. I asked this question before and people told me not to worry.

We are going in December.

Guess Ill call her and see whats up.

Anyone else rent a villa without a signed contract?

 

[kimbac3]

Ok, I got the "contract". Basically it's a copy of the email she sent me signed. Nothing for me to sign and send back. Very informal. It states "rental agreement" on it and the basic facts.
I guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope all is well. I'm tempted to book a hotel just in case!! Wish me luck!
Kimba

 

[kilee]

I know this is stressful. I do honestly think it will all work out. Seems as though it's just really an informal/laid back owner. I'll send lots of PD your way .

 

[LauraAnn630]

I recieved an e-mail from the UK owner of the villa we are renting.
She said they will send a form with the dates...ect ... closer to our dates.
We are going in December.

They rent out 5 homes and they do it all the time. Its not a huge deal to them. She also gave me the management companys email to get a reference.

There is a site that you can check out if the person you are renting from REALLY owns the home. Ours checked out. Knowing they actually do own the home put my mind at ease.

Im sorry I do not have this site anymore, I got a new pc.

Does anyone else have it?

 

[isla bonita]

This is for Osceola County homes

http://ira.property-appraiser.org/

Just so you know the information is not up to date so if it is a new owner they might not be in the records yet.

 

[kimbac3]

I did do a check and the owner does indeed own the property I'm renting. Also the management company stated that she was very trustworthy. I'm beginning to feel that she is, in fact just pretty laid back about all this. I guess it's just hard to believe that everyone isn't as obsessive compulsive as I am with things
I guess I'll just have to trust that everything will be fine. I haven't paid the final payment yet, so maybe as that gets closer she will send out more info.
Thanks again for all your help!!
Kimba

 

[isla bonita]

kimba

if you hae questions send them via email to the owner for as much information as you need.