Rental Home Questions

[pleakley]

Hi everyone, our family has decided to take a trip to Disney World this summer We are looking into a rental home for the first part of our trip, I have been reading everything I could find on this board, but still had some questions. The homes we found have been directly through the owners, the house we had originally decided on wanted payment by check, I am wondering if that is typical? Also, is it safe? I am so used to feeling the "security" of purchasing/reserving items with my credit card I am a little hesitant about just mailing that much money away. Any advice on this process would be much appreciated!
TIA

 

[isla bonita]

the house we had originally decided on wanted payment by check, I am wondering if that is typical? Also, is it safe? I am so used to feeling the "security" of purchasing/reserving items with my credit card I am a little hesitant about just mailing that much money away. Any advice on this process would be much appreciated!TIA

All of the homes are individually owned and every one has their own terms and conditions.

If sending a check is not to your liking find a home that allows a credit card. You will feel better about the holiday.

 

[KayR]

Its not unusual for owners to only accept checks. They may not have a merchant account to accept credit cards.

Sometimes their Management Company may accept credit cards on their behalf or perhaps they (the owner) will accept Credit Card via paypal, but anticipate that your rental cost may increase to cover the extra fees & costs involved in a credit card transaction.

-Kay

 

[JANNYANS]

It is usual for owners to accept checks or to take direct payment to their bank accounts .As Kay R says the man co may be able to take cc on their behalf but there may be an increase in the amount payable

 

[Freaky]

As the others have said, it is not unusual for payments by check, however more and more owners are accepting credit card payments via PayPal. There may be an additional charge to process the credit card transaction but it will give you a bit more piece of mind. You could always see if they will take the deposit by credit card and then you can pay the balance by check.

 

[7165red]

We have rented villas on 3 occasions and paid by check and we never had a problem. Owners don't like to pay the extra fee they have to pay with credit cards.

 

[pleakley]

Thanks everyone, I did find a house where they will accept credit cards if I pay the fee. I totally get that it is a big trust issue on both sides, I'm sending my money and they are trusting that we are going to respect their home. I found them through orlandovillas.com and it is listed as verified - are there any other things I should check before I book?
Thanks again!

 

[7165red]

Ask the owners to send you a contract which will spell out your responsibilities and their's and after reading and agree with it sign it and make your down payment. Good Luck!

 

[JANNYANS]

If you have booked with Orlandovillas then the site owners have done all the checking for you as owners have to prove they own the home they advertise every 6 months.Just keep a copy of the rental contract