Renting a DVC - how to verify owner?

[BigredNole]

I am not sure this is the right place to ask. I am in the process of trying to find someone to rent a DVC unit through. Thru various rental places, I found an ad of someone renting a unit when we want to go in December. The site is one of the largest rental places out there and most of it is scam free.

My question is how can I verify or vette out an owner looking to rent?

 

[Marionnette]

I am not sure this is the right place to ask. I am in the process of trying to find someone to rent a DVC unit through. Thru various rental places, I found an ad of someone renting a unit when we want to go in December. The site is one of the largest rental places out there and most of it is scam free.

My question is how can I verify or vette out an owner looking to rent?

http://or.occompt.com/recorder/web/

This is the Orange County (FL) comptroller's website. You can look up the deed if you know the owner's name. Obviously, this will do you no good if the owner's points are at Aulani, Vero, HH or VGC. This will only assure you that the person does indeed own points at the resort named on the deed. It will not tell you how many points or if they are current on their dues or mortgage. If they rent often, then they may have references. But even those can be faked. If they post frequently on the website that you mentioned, then they probably are not scammers. If they are new members to that website and joined just for the purpose of posting a speculation reservation, I'd be more cautious.

 

[BigredNole]

Thanks for that link. I will look around there and look at the site more for other rentals by the individual.

 

[disneynutz]

You do know that the reservation could be canceled the day prior to your arrival and you would be out of luck. Checking ownership, references, contact info, length of ownership, DIS posts, all helps verify who you are dealing with. A written agreement is a must and Disney will not get involved if things go wrong.

Bill

 

[tjkraz]

Plus any smart scammer would pull a DVC owner's name from the OCC records beforehand. Not hard to do.

Sort of a no-brainer step I would recommend is to actually SPEAK to the person before renting points. Trading emails with an anonymous person is asking for trouble. Get a phone number, ask questions, make sure they sound informed about Disney, DVC, etc. If anything during the call raises red flags, walk away.

Could also ask for references from other past rentals, although that could be faked (create separate gmail address, etc.)

 

[CarolMN]

If the stress/worry over losing money is a significant concern, consider using one of the brokers instead of renting privately. If something goes wrong, you will at least get your money back.

For private rentals, read the owners posts. Choose someone who has contributed beyond posting on a rental board. Lots of posts indicate that person cares about his/her reputation on the various DVC forums. Info the owner posts also gives you an idea of how experienced that person is with DVC. If the price of the reservation (especially one in December) is too good to be true, chances are it is true. Don't pay in full until you have the reservation in your name and can see it in in your MDE account. Make sure you have a written contract - this ensures you both have the same understanding and really isn't much protection if things go wrong, though. Be sure it covers allowed changes (if any), consequences of cancellation and payment terms.

Get the owner's contact number - name, address, telephone number. Very important if something goes wrong. Actually talk with that person in real time before you send money.

If you rent from a reputable broker or internet board (like the DIS), chances of a scam are quite small. Good luck!

 

[babesboo99]

we have rented points from the same person for years. but before we found her which was on this board and another we talked and messaged quite a bit I got references etc. after we rented a few times she asked me if I can be a person of contact for her for people to come and question on how she is and if she is legit. she was wonderful she is one of the reasons why we wanted to buy years ago but unfortunately was unable to now hoping things have changed a bit we are looking to buy and give her name as a reference when and if we buy direct. ask how long have you had the contract and if you make a reservation through her or him you can check to see if the reservation is made my friend now gave me a site to check to make sure everything was on the up and up if I am not mistake in was the DVC website I of course had to have the reservation #.

 

[Sandisw]

I agree with everything that has been said. Just be sure before you go with a rental, you understand all the elements. The biggest plus with a DVC reservation rented from an owner is the savings. However, there are trade offs and you have to be comfortable with that for the savings. First and I think most important is that you realize it is a private transaction and you are not dealing with Disney directly. The second is that most come with no cancel or change policies and that if you can't make the trip, there is a chance you will lose the money. While some owners will try to work to change, some will not and you must be okay with that if it happens. As mentioned, the biggest drawback is the trust factor and being comfortable that you are not in control of the reservation, so making things like Magical Express and adding the dining plan have to be done through the owner.

Using one of the main brokers is definitely an added level of comfort in terms of loss of money but even that won't prevent you from being out of a room is something happens on the owners end.

However, the scams and issues are low and the savings can be really great so if you are okay with all of it, then getting a DVC reservation this way is a great way to stay in some wonderful places for a lot less than dealing with Disney!!

Good luck!!!