Renting a house through VRBO? Opinions?

[walkdmc]

I used them twice for OBX Summer rentals and everything worked out fine. Once, I sent a check for a house and after the owner hadn't cashed the check for a couple of weeks, I called to make sure everything was fine. I couldn't get in touch with the owner for a few days and started worrying. Eventually, the owner called me and told me they were refunding my downpayment as they recently accepted an offer on the house, which had been for sale.

There are MANY homes in the OBX for sale. I was told by a NC realtor that even if a property sells, the new owners are obligated to honor any contracts for dates up to 6 months after settlement. So, I would ask the owner if their house is for sale, or check any real estate site and see if the property is listed.

Some people worry about renting a house that subsequently goes into foreclosure. I don't know what happens in that case but it seems like a very valid concern in these times.

 

[azdizzymom]

We have used in Florida twice and have two upcoming rentals...one in San Diego and one in Arlington, VA. We have had nothing but great experiences. I have never rented the same place twice as we have not gone to the same area twice.

I always go by reviews and by what correspondence with owner. How quickly they respond and how much info they give. One time I had a lady who wanted a huge amount for a deposit and I made a comment on it seemed like a high amount and she was very rude.

I have honestly always paid by check as most charge an extra fee for credit card. For my San Diego rental my final payment was due and we were snowed in. I called the owner because I was afraid my check would be late and he was fantastic...said not to worry and was giving me a hard time about the warm weather there.

I did have a friend who did a VRBO for this spring break in Panama City Beach- their condo sold and the owner just sent an email saying the new owner was moving in and was not honoring the rentals after a certain date (she was just notified 2 weeks ago and this is for April). I honestly think it has to be written into the terms of the sales agreement for how rentals are handled--- Thankfully she was able to find a new condo at same building for her week

 

[ChisJo]

we have used them 3 times now, in Phoenix, San Francisco, and in British Columbia. We are using them again for British Columbia this summer and for Hawaii this fall. Loved my experiences, and the transactions were incredibly easy. We didn't book with anyone who didn't have reviews, and we asked a ton of questions before we booked with anyone. We kept those replies, so if anything that the owners told us wasn't accurate, we could post it in a review.
However, all our experiences so far have been incredible. The cost comparison to a hotel rental is a no brainer, you have more space, a kitchen to cook in, laundry area, and its private. We never had to contact any of them while we were in their homes, but if we did, they left clear instructions on how to contact them.

I don't even look at hotels anymore - its all VRBO for me!

 

[TnTWalter]

I've had great experiences....the last place wasn't my favorite but it was cheap and worked just fine....it just really needed a good dusting and general cleaning....

used VRBO and homeway about 5 times and would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Trish

 

[homedad]

i use VRBO for vacation all the time, northern Michigan lake cottages to places in the Caribbean and never had an issue, and when I've rented from a location that has both a rental company and a vrbo owner our rooms are less expensive and usually nicer

 

[alexcturner]

We are on the other end of the deal--we rent out weeks in our summer house using VRBO.

We used to use an agent, but we found we did better at picking tenants than the agent, so for the past two summers we have used VRBO.

It is a risk for the owner, as well, we have had a few oopsies, but mostly it works as it is supposed to!

Good luck!

Cathy

We also are owners that are on the "other end of the deal". We have had mostly good luck also. We have also used VRBO to find homes in other areas and it has always worked out well for us!!!

 

[nana2tots]

We have rented in Orlando, and we loved it

 

[Mickey527]

I rented using VRBO twice and had fantastic places both times.
tghe first was a home near Parris Island when my son graduated from Marine Boot Camp. the 2nd was a home on a golf course in Naples FL near the beach.
I can't say enough about this site and the wonderful places they had available.

 

[richmond282]

I've used vrbo many times in various locations for various types of rentals. I've never had a problem. Good luck!

 

[Marymom]

We did have trouble with one rental. We rented a home in St. George. Utah. It was a private home on the golf course where they filmed High School Musical 2, which is within driving distance to some National Parks. After reserving the home, I received instructions to enter the back gate only and Do Not under any circumstances talk or stop at the Front Gate. Red bells started ringing in my head because this golf course is part of the same company my brother is a member of in Florida and he is not allowed to rent his condo short term. I wrote the owner back and told her under NO circumstances did we want to spend our vacation "sneaking in" to the house. She assured me that she was allowed to rent and she just was charged if visitors stopped and used the front gate. I did not listen to my inner voice and took her for her word. Long story short, we get to the house and a court order is taped to the front door, forbidding the owner from renting the house short term! She did not answer our calls. We did stay in the house. It was beautiful but neglected. I think the owner was in the middle of mortgage default. My brother, an attorney, assured me that we would not be in trouble. but the homeowner could go to jail. I felt bad but she had made her own bed. Just listen to your gut... if it does not feel right, RUN!

 

[cdrn1]

We rented a house on a lake last year. It was very nice, very clean, and was exactly as described.