Renter's "etiquette" - please advise! (long)

[molly2004]

Hello, all. I plan to rent points for a DVC stay in Jan or Feb 2007. This will be my first time. I'm asking your advice because I really would like to do the right thing but don't know what the norm is. So please don't flame me!

Situtation
DH and I are taking our boys to WDW to celebrate their 3rd birthdays (we will be there a couple of weeks before the actual day). I've invited DMIL and DFIL so they can, too, experience WDW through the kids' eyes. They are very close so I wanted to share that with them. We would like to rent points for two standard studios at BWV.

So here are the questions:

1) If for any reason (e.g., illness or blizzard, or such) we cannot go, is it okay to "sublet" the pre-reserved room? Please don't flame me! I am a nervous first-timer and booking so far in advance without the ability to cancel or change my reservation makes me nervous. I would like to be properly educated about what my options are should something like this occur. I would only "sublet" the rooms for the same amount that I paid the owner for the points, not for profit. Again, the only reason why I would ever do this is under dire circumstances where we absolutely cannot go.

2) Is it okay to insist (nicely) on a written contract?

3) Is it okay to bypass the member/owner and talk to member services directly about my reservation? This would be for things like:
- confirming my reservation
- making small requests like asking for both studios to be located near each other, non-smoking rooms (if there's such a thing), pack n plays, etc.

4) If yes to Q#3, after the transaction has been completed, i.e., reservation has been made and full payment made, should I keep the member/owner posted about whatever requests, etc. I make to member services? Do you need to give the owner an update when you return?

OT question: Do you tip the mousekeeper at DVC?

My goal is to make it as painless for everyone as possible. I don't want to be burdensome to an owner yet still get what I would like. I am so used to flexibility with hotels that I'm not sure what I should do.Thank you for your advice.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Aneille]

I am an owner but I have never rented out but I can try to answer some of your questions.

1. Sublet - How a cancellation is handled is different for every owner. There will be some situations where you could cancel up to 31 days before your check-in date and it wouldn't cause the owner any real problems. As far as last minute cancellations and finding someone else to take over the ressie, I have seen it done on these boards. Sometimes by the onwer, other times by the renter. The cancellation policies should be worked out with the owner prior to making any type of downpayment just so everyone is on the same page.

2. Contracts - A contract is a good idea. Most owners I think would be very happy to set one up and I know there are some samples to be found somewhere on the board.

3. Bypass Member - You can call member services to confirm, but I have also heard that you should call the hotel directly. The owner will let you know how to go about that as well.

4. Continuing contact - Personally I would think it would be a nice gesture to keep in contact throughout the process with the owner you are renting from but its probably not necessary. An update after your return would be nice as well, just to let the owner know how it went. Some people seem to rent multiple times with the same owner so if you have a good stay and things go smoothly, keeping lines of communication open would be good.

5. Tipping mousekeeper - Yes DVC owners tip mousekeeper. However DVC members do not get mousekeeping everyday.

Like I said I have never rented out but you sound like a nice person to rent to. I don't think you will have any problems at all.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I am not a DVC member, but I have rented 3 Decembers in a row - all from different people on the DIS board. Everything went well each time.

This involves trust on both sides. I know it can make one nervous.

I did not have housekeeping, but I left a five dollar bill on the table when I left. I was there for three nights each time - solo.

I have called the "Member services" phone number on my reservation just to make absolutely certain that I am in the reservation system, and that it is noted as " Non - smoking." That's very important as I am asthmatic.

I never got it straight if the renter had a cancellation policy - although next time I should probably at least ask about it.

One of the things I look for is if the renting member has a lot of posts, and is a regular person on The DIS, but that's not really a sure bet.

You just have to trust , I guess. Go with your gut instincts.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Members have a hard enough time trying to get in to Member Services without non-members calling in to see if they still have a reservation. And can they request Magical Express. And how about balloons for little Billy since his birthday is only 25 days away. Yada, yada, yada.

It's not called Renter's Services. It's called Member Services. If you need something, contact the member and they should be the one calling MS, not you.

 

[Aneille]

Members have a hard enough time trying to get in to Member Services without non-members calling in to see if they still have a reservation. And can they request Magical Express. And how about balloons for little Billy since his birthday is only 25 days away. Yada, yada, yada.

It's not called Renter's Services. It's called Member Services. If you need something, contact the member and they should be the one calling MS, not you.

I think this was totally uncalled for. Why give her a hard time for asking a question?

 

[molly2004]

Members have a hard enough time trying to get in to Member Services without non-members calling in to see if they still have a reservation. And can they request Magical Express. And how about balloons for little Billy since his birthday is only 25 days away. Yada, yada, yada.

It's not called Renter's Services. It's called Member Services. If you need something, contact the member and they should be the one calling MS, not you.

At that same time, I see on these boards numerous posts by owners who feel "put out" when a member asks them to place a request. What's a renter to do? After all, I respect that owners have lives of their own and are not concierges. That's why I asked.

 

[Muushka]

Well, looks like all of your questions have been answered (and then some ), but I just wanted to say that you seem like such a thoughtful person, not wanting to burden the owners. If I had extra points, I would have loved renting them to you!! Good luck!

 

[crisi]

I have called the "Member services" phone number on my reservation just to make absolutely certain that I am in the reservation system, and that it is noted as " Non - smoking." That's very important as I am asthmatic.

DVC has non-smoking rooms, but they are a request, not a guarentee. Lots of members have complaints about ending up in smoking rooms - or non-smoking rooms that have been smoked in (the front desk seems very happy to provide an ash tray if a smoker gets stuck in a non-smoking room). And yes, even those with medical requests have ended up in smoking rooms. In my opinion DVC isn't a good option for people who NEED a non-smoking room.

(We are 1 for 2 on the smoking request - non-smoking).

Renters ettiquette:

Respect that you are most likely renting from a private person - not someone in the business of point rental (though a few people like that are out there). They aren't making a big enough profit to bother them for every little thing.

Call MS to confirm your reservation if you must (I'd just ask for the confirmation), but all other issues need to be handled throught the member (a pack and play will be in your room). MS aren't supposed to take requests from anyone but the member. For this reason, get your requests down with the first call.

Requests are requests. This should be obvious, but if you talk to the front desk CMs (and DVC doesn't seem to be any different than the regular hotels in this), it isn't. Just because you've asked for a high floor, doesn't mean you'll be in a room on a high floor. (Not that renters are more or less guilty than members about berating the CMs over requests). Here most people recommend making one or at most two very general requests - if smoking is important to you, that is one. More requests seem to mean less chance of any of them getting met.

Don't expect miracles. Seems a lot of people are looking for high demand rooms on short notice in high DVC season - not likely to be there.

Once you arrive, remember that the members dues pay for everything from replacing carpet to repainting. Please treat the property with respect.

Remember that you might get DVC member perks, but aren't entitled to them. Which translates to "please don't make a scene and risk spoiling it for everyone." (I doubt the OP needs to know this, since she is asking).

Ask for a contract. Call member services. But recognize that this is a relationship that is really about trust. A contract between you in Indiana and an owner in Colorado is not going to be easy to get resolution on if your reservation isn't in the system when you arrive.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I think this [Deb & Bill's comment about 'renter services'] was totally uncalled for. Why give her a hard time for asking a question?

I respectfully disagree. The point is quite valid: Member Services is paid for by - and for the express use of - DVC Members. Any time that a non-member calls MS, it consumes resources that the non-member hasn't paid for.

In the case of a renter, the relationship is between the DVC member and the renter; NOT between the renter and MS. Of course, it's more convenient and beneficial for the renter to be able to call - but that convenience and benefit is something that DVC owners pay for; if the renter wants that level of access, they should become owners --- and we'd all say "WELCOME HOME!"

IMHO - YMMV

 

[mikesmom]

Here's the answers as best as I can. I have been an owner 6 years and have rented out 3 or 4 times:

If for any reason (e.g., illness or blizzard, or such) we cannot go, is it okay to "sublet" the pre-reserved room? Please don't flame me! I am a nervous first-timer and booking so far in advance without the ability to cancel or change my reservation makes me nervous. I would like to be properly educated about what my options are should something like this occur. I would only "sublet" the rooms for the same amount that I paid the owner for the points, not for profit. Again, the only reason why I would ever do this is under dire circumstances where we absolutely cannot go.

If you "sublet": the Member would have to handle it with Member Services. As far as they are concerned, MS won't deal with you directly. It would be nice if you can find someone to sublet, but the member will have to make the changes. If you can't find someone, you are responsible - the member will be stuck with a big problem if you cancel within 30 days. It's the risk you run for the good deal. You reduce your risk by booking direct with Disney (there are usually some cash rooms available) but you pay for that big time. It's the can't have your cake and eat it too problem.

Is it okay to insist (nicely) on a written contract?

Most people would be fine with a contract. I would. Be aware that it's not really much protection unless you want to travel to the renters jurisdiction to sue them. it does make everybody feel a bit more secure.

Is it okay to bypass the member/owner and talk to member services directly about my reservation? This would be for things like:

You can't bypass the member, you have to make all arrangements through them. You shouldn't even be privy to the 800 number to call MS. You can call the hotel to be sure you have a reservation (use the ressie number the member sends you). You can try for requests there, but they may not accept them from you - the safest way is through the member.

If yes to Q#3, after the transaction has been completed, i.e., reservation has been made and full payment made, should I keep the member/owner posted about whatever requests, etc. I make to member services? Do you need to give the owner an update when you return?

Again, best make the requests through the member. Your best plan is to get those ideas and ducks in a row when you make the request.

OT question: Do you tip the mousekeeper at DVC?

I definitely tip mousekeeping.

Hope this helps.

 

[Aneille]

I respectfully disagree. The point is quite valid: Member Services is paid for by - and for the express use of - DVC Members. Any time that a non-member calls MS, it consumes resources that the non-member hasn't paid for.

In the case of a renter, the relationship is between the DVC member and the renter; NOT between the renter and MS. Of course, it's more convenient and beneficial for the renter to be able to call - but that convenience and benefit is something that DVC owners pay for; if the renter wants that level of access, they should become owners --- and we'd all say "WELCOME HOME!"

IMHO - YMMV

That is a good point my problem wasn't with the ultimate answer of Deb & Bill's post but the tone used. The OP has never called MS. She is asking a question prior to ever renting pts.

She really didn't deserve the "And how about balloons for little Billy since his birthday is only 25 days away. Yada, yada, yada. " part of the post.

A simple "It would be better to let the owner call since we pay for MS and the owner should be happy to handle all that for you" would have been enough.

 

[dizzneebabe]

Members have a hard enough time trying to get in to Member Services without non-members calling in to see if they still have a reservation. And can they request Magical Express. And how about balloons for little Billy since his birthday is only 25 days away. Yada, yada, yada.

It's not called Renter's Services. It's called Member Services. If you need something, contact the member and they should be the one calling MS, not you.

Without trying to make more waves, I felt I needed to respond to this. So, please excuse my rant!

As someone who is toying the idea of renting a DVC members points this year for the first time--you scare me! The OP was trying to avoid mistakes, that's why she posted. Perhaps you are a member not interested in renting out points, and that's fine, but it seems for many here it's a win/win, especially considering it's done with Disney's blessing. The renters are not the only ones benefitting from renting points--see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1024415 If a situation came up in which you could not use your points, you should be thrilled that renting them to 'Billy's parents' is a viable option!

Ok, taking a breath now...

 

[Doctor P]

Tone or not, Deb & Bill is correct. All requests and all contact with MS should come through the member. Subletting is not allowed except by going through the member since you now have to give the names on the reservations and they match people's ID's with the names. The only changes to reservations can be made by the member.

 

[sajetto]

Thanks for asking those questions Molly! I had the same ones just to know what I'm getting into and could not have asked them as well as yourself.

 

[Aneille]

Okay I am done. Just thought the OP deserved some curtesy. She was polite and trying to be informed. My problem has nothing to do with the right or wrong answer.

I hear so much talk about how members moan about rentee's just not understanding the process or what is at risk to the members points and someone comes here, asks valid and polite questions about how she should proceed and she gets a snarky response.

Have a nice day.

 

[JimMIA]

So please don't flame me!

Here??? Naw, could never happen. Seriously, I, for one, appreciate your attitude in trying to get straight info before you rent. Good job!

1) If for any reason (e.g., illness or blizzard, or such) we cannot go, is it okay to "sublet" the pre-reserved room?

NO! It's not that it's not OK, it's just that you can't do that. You have absolutely no ability to change anything about the reservation itself, so you can hardly make an agreement to rent your reservation to someone else. Only the owner can do that. If you run into a situation like that, you need to be on the phone to the owner immediately.

2) Is it okay to insist (nicely) on a written contract?

Sure. I'd be tempted to say a contract for a small amount of money is unenforceable as a practical matter, but it will certainly clarify some of the key aspects of the deal. I'm sure you'll have no problem getting an owner to give you a contract.

The contract should cover -- at a minimum -- the dates, number of nights, cost and payment schedule, any requests made at the time of reservation, and the owners cancellation policy for this particular reservation.

Cancellations are VERY tricky with DVC, because there could be use year, banking deadline, and all sorts of other constraints on this particular owner regarding this particular ressie. You would have no way of knowing those, and not all owners think of these issues before the fact. Putting the cancellation details in a contract is helpful to both parties. "We'll work it out" is DVC-owner for "I've never done this before and I have no clue!" Stay away from "We'll work it out."

You can get trip insurance for DVC stays. If you do, be sure your agreement with the owner states clearly that the monies are non-refundable past a certain point.

My goal is to make it as painless for everyone as possible. I don't want to be burdensome to an owner yet still get what I would like. I am so used to flexibility with hotels that I'm not sure what I should do.Thank you for your advice.

Thanks for your help!

That's the perfect attitude. Have a great trip!

 

[Luigi's Girl]

Okay I am done. Just thought the OP deserved some curtesy. She was polite and trying to be informed. My problem has nothing to do with the right or wrong answer.

I hear so much talk about how members moan about rentee's just not understanding the process or what is at risk to the members points and someone comes here, asks valid and polite questions about how she should proceed and she gets a snarky response.

Have a nice day.

What a very well written, smart and considerate response. I agree with you 100%.

 

[T.E. Yeary]

As usual Jim, you are right on!

 

[AFMom]

I just wanted to add, that as someone who has rented points to non-members - your questions, concerns and politeness are very much appreciated. The people I have rented to have all been wonderful to work with, and it's nice to see womeone else like that here on these boards. Good luck - and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip!

 

[molly2004]

1) As one poster said, have all my ducks in a row when I first communicate with the owner. That way, he/she can make the requests all at once. I get what I want, the owner needs to make only one call, everyone's happy!

2) It is NOT okay to sublet. Cancellation terms should be spelled out in the contract. If an extraordinary circumstance arises and it becomes imperative to cancel, funds returned (if any) would be in accordance to the terms of the contract. The ultimate decision belongs to the owner.

3) ...so a contract is a good thing, if only to clarify all terms before renting.

4) Tipping DVC mousekeepers is a good thing!

Did I miss anything?

All these responses make perfect sense to me. I, honestly, have a difficulty with one thing: not being allowed to call member services to confirm the ressie. {Excuse me while I get the flame retardant suit on} Yes, I agree that there needs to be significant trust between parties in a transaction like this. But honestly, I have a difficult time handing over money without some sort of confirmation from Disney themselves that the ressie was made. Would they send me any paperwork to confirm this (even if sent through the member)? That's why I'd feel better about at least a phone confirmation. Can I at least ask the member for their permission to call? Or as another poster said, call the resort directly? I promise I'll be quick!

Thank you to everyone for educating me on the process. I feel much better entering this venture understanding how it should properly be done.

Also, thanks to those who tried to keep me from being flamed. I had a sense that I'd get burned at least a little with my original post, but i thought it'd be worth it if I could get some informative responses. Flaming seems to be happening a lot on these boards lately. Thanks for your efforts though.

And off I go to do some more planning! Woohoo!