Using VRBO to rent a house

[torinsmom]

So, how do I know the homeowner I am renting from is legit and a good person to deal with? The townhouse I am looking at does not have any guest reviews, but it is a great deal.

Marsha

 

[kilee]

We've rented off there several times (for Disney and other areas). So far we've never had a problem. I guess you just roll the dice on this one.

 

[cabmom]

I've rented many times. You get a contract signed and ask for referrals.

 

[Mas17]

We've rented thru them several times for condos in Florida with no problem. In fact, we are renting from them for spring break later this month. We have NEVER had a problem and the owners have been more than accomodating and helpful.

 

[wilderness01]

I rented through them and had a horrible problem. I rented in August for the next Spring break in March. Apparently the owners didn't let VRBO know that their condo in Florida was for sale. They had a contract pending when I rented and then closed in October.

The owners let me know in November that they had sold and then wouldn't give my money back. I had to go through an attorney in Florida to get my deposit back. Thank goodness it was an attorney friend of the real estate man we had been dealing with for something else, so she did it pro bono.

It was a HUGE hassle and I would never do it again. I did contact VRBO and they said they wanted to help me, but in the end, I had to do all the work myself all the while the owners of the condo I rented had other properties still listed on VRBO.

Sorry but that was my experience and it was only a few short years ago.

 

[torinsmom]

Anyone else? I have rented from someone there once and had a good experience, but this person has no feedback and there are from the UK(not that that's a bad thing, but wouldn't it be hard legally if something went wrong? I'm wondering if I should pay more in order to see good reviews. Who knows if people could have put the reviews up themselves?

Marsha

 

[SondraC]

I have used them twice with no issues. This was in 2007 & 2008

 

[mom2travel]

We have never rented through them, but when we were planning our trip to Hawaii I lived on the various Hawaii boards on tripadvisor and would see questions posted frequently about specific VRBO units. Perhaps you could try to post about the unit you are considering there for comments

 

[abdmom]

VRBO is an advertising site. I advertise several properties with them - not in FL though. They don't have any responsibility for the validity of your contract. Most owners will be happy to talk with you over the phone. Ask for references if there are no reviews. The owners should also have a management company in the area if they are overseas.

 

[Robinrs]

I've used them about 3 times and I've also used TUG. Never had an issue but just like with Craigslist and Ebay, there are the good and the bad.

 

[blana]

I rented a condo last summer on Topsail Island through VRBO. I made sure the person had good feedback & had been a member of the site for quite a while. Figured that meant they were a little more secure than someone who had just posted the property.

 

[ChrisAlli]

I've used them several times, however the owners were within driving distance of my home. So I knew where they lived as well. Just felt more comfortable with that.

We've never had a problem.