Rookie Rentee-- How do I make sure all is legit with who I rent from?

[LucieH]

This is the first time I will be renting points for a stay at the VWL. (I am the rentee.)
How do I make sure that the people who are contacting me with points for rent are legit and the transaction will be safe and secure?
This board seems great so I am not too worried but I just want to make sure we so indeed get reservations and all is well!

Thanks so much for the help all!
LucieH

 

[Chuck S]

Really, there is never a way to be 100% secure i this type of transaction. It is a matter of trust for both parties.

I would advise making sure there is a written agreement, whether by enmail or snail mail. And verify phone numbers and email address, and if possible, home address. You may try to find an owner with a higher post count, or who has been on the boards for a while.

Most owners will not require the full amount up front, unless your trave date is within a month or so. Also, don't do business with anyone that wants you to send the money Western Union or other wire transfer type method. Many owners have paypal accounts that you can use to make payments. Other accept personal checks, as long as there is plenty of time for them to clear the bank before your travel dates, or before they reach their cancellation/banking windows.

Above all, you need to feel fully comfortable with the person you are dealing with.

 

[jerseygal]

I believe I also read on Disboards that the rentee can in fact gain additional assurance that the renter is in fact a DVC owner at the Orange County Comptroller Website..

Remember that DVC will not speak directly to rentee even if you have a bonified reservation..Renter is in control of reservation..Because of privacy, they cannot speak to rentee....

Good Luck...I would ensure that I had a signed written agreement....

 

[DVC Mike]

As explained on the [thread=1669863]Considering Renting from a DVC Member?[/thread] thread, there is a certain amount of risk in renting points. There are ways to manage the risk, but no way to eliminate it (unless you rent points from a person you know and trust).

 

[Deb & Bill]

I believe I also read on Disboards that the rentee can in fact gain additional assurance that the renter is in fact a DVC owner at the Orange County Comptroller Website..

Remember that DVC will not speak directly to rentee even if you have a bonified reservation..Renter is in control of reservation..Because of privacy, they cannot speak to rentee....

Good Luck...I would ensure that I had a signed written agreement....

You won't find owners of HHI, VB and any other DVC outside of Orange County, FL.

Plus with all the mention of the Orange County Comptroller website, a really good fraud artist could pick a name at random from the website and say they are that owner.

To the OP, at some point you either trust the owner or you don't. If you don't, you book directly through Disney and forget about getting a member to make a reservation for you using their points.

Even with a three way call among the member, Member Services and the potential renter, the shady member could go back and cancel the reservation before they hang up the phone. Or they could arrange a fraudulent three way call among you, the phony member and a phony Member Services.

 

[CarolAnnC]

You won't find owners of HHI, VB and any other DVC outside of Orange County, FL.

Plus with all the mention of the Orange County Comptroller website, a really good fraud artist could pick a name at random from the website and say they are that owner.

To the OP, at some point you either trust the owner or you don't. If you don't, you book directly through Disney and forget about getting a member to make a reservation for you using their points.

Even with a three way call among the member, Member Services and the potential renter, the shady member could go back and cancel the reservation before they hang up the phone. Or they could arrange a fraudulent three way call among you, the phony member and a phony Member Services.

Just to add to this, you also won't find many good legitimate people listed on the Comptroller websites either - me for example! My contracts are under my previous married name, and also some under my current husband's name, not mine. So though I own 1020 points, you won't be able to find me there! LOL!

 

[LucieH]

I appreciate all those who have responded! We are looking to book the VWL in late *** so I hope to find a great renter to rent from!

We are really excited to try out the DVC experience!

LucieH