Vacation Home Scam

[Frothy]

It's not about the money. It's about the protection a credit card gives you if you arrive and find the property doesn't exist. This has always been my biggest worry and why we use the management company we do. We feel safe and having stayed with them so many times we know they can sort out any problems if we have any.

 

[Frothy]

Some of you may be interested in reading this book...

http://www.amazon.com/What-About-Renting-Florida-Vacation/dp/0982717423/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282138143&sr=8-5

I've read it and it has some very good tips about renting a home and how to protect yourself.

 

[horseshowmom]

I won't rent a property that doesn't accept credit cards. I view that as my protection. While most owners aren't trying to scam anyone (and are probably trying to save some money by not paying the cc fee), I won't take that chance. That said, I've always gotten great deals even though I have always used a credit card (hasn't been a hindrance to me at all).

 

[quagmire0]

One thing I did (saw the idea in another thread) is look up the ownership/tax records in the county that the property is located in. Just to make sure everything is kosher on that end. I did also send my deposit as a check , but I'm actually renting from a person and not a company. I have a home address and phone that matches the tax records.

 

[horseshowmom]

One thing I did (saw the idea in another thread) is look up the ownership/tax records in the county that the property is located in. Just to make sure everything is kosher on that end. I did also send my deposit as a check , but I'm actually renting from a person and not a company. I have a home address and phone that matches the tax records.

As far as I can remember, I've always rented from an individual rather than a company (whether it was in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, San Antonio, etc.). I've always gotten better deals that way. Also, even though the records are there at the time of booking, properties can afterwards be foreclosed or sold.

I'm definitely not saying that my way is the only way. Everybody knows what their comfort level is. In my case, I just won't take the chance. To each their own, of course!

 

[Frothy]

As far as I can remember, I've always rented from an individual rather than a company (whether it was in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, San Antonio, etc.). I've always gotten better deals that way. Also, even though the records are there at the time of booking, properties can afterwards be foreclosed or sold.

I'm definitely not saying that my way is the only way. Everybody knows what their comfort level is. In my case, I just won't take the chance. To each their own, of course!

But aren't you taking a chance? If it's a company with lots of homes at least you are protected that they will have a property. As you said homes get sold or go into foreclosure and its individuals who are responsible for that. If you rent from an individual there is more chance of a problem because they will not have another home.

 

[Frothy]

The vacation home scam that was on the news last week was done by a vacation rental agency. An agency is company that does not manage any homes themselves but acts as a booking agency. It seems they take your money but then don't pay whoever they get the home from.

 

[JANNYANS]

Most of the rental scams and problems that have arisen over the past have been carried out by companies -it is rare that an owner renting their home themselves has been involved -in fact I don't know of an individual owner that has done such a thing-that is not to say it hasn't happened.Every owner that rents their home out has to have an agent on the ground in the area -they will have access to more than one home so even if renting from an individual and problems that cannot be sorted arise there will be other homes to move to.

 

[horseshowmom]

But aren't you taking a chance? If it's a company with lots of homes at least you are protected that they will have a property. As you said homes get sold or go into foreclosure and its individuals who are responsible for that. If you rent from an individual there is more chance of a problem because they will not have another home.

You do have a reasonable point, but I don't find it to be an issue for me. I always take my laptop with me and am reasonably comfortable that I can find other accomodations if the need should arise (particularly in the Orlando market). My primary concern isn't that I won't be able to find suitable lodging - it's that I don't want to lose the money.

I did have a bad experience with a rental in San Antonio, but I was able to replace it quickly when I chose to leave the next day. Of course, this wouldn't work for everyone. You would have to be pretty comfortable with booking properties online and knowing how to locate good deals.

 

[70'schild]

I would also like to know the names of these companies. I just started on this site so am not sure how to receive a private message.

 

[2busy4life]

Do not send a check. Always make a credit card payment. Apparently the scam is that they will give you a discount if you pay by check.

PM me if you want the names of the companies involved.

Frothy, since I am new to the forum I cannot PM you. Please PM me with the names as we have booked a place and I want to make sure that the company is not involved. Thanks Lori

 

[2busy4life]

Most of the rental scams and problems that have arisen over the past have been carried out by companies -it is rare that an owner renting their home themselves has been involved -in fact I don't know of an individual owner that has done such a thing-that is not to say it hasn't happened.Every owner that rents their home out has to have an agent on the ground in the area -they will have access to more than one home so even if renting from an individual and problems that cannot be sorted arise there will be other homes to move to.

Sorry but I cannot PM yet...Thanks for the information..... our company is not involved. Lori

 

[lunapnp]

Now I really need to know. Can someone please PM the name?

 

[Frothy]

There's more on the story at this blog http://www.floridaleisureblog.com

 

[Jacksam]

Could someone PM me the name of the company, too? I am thinking of renting and wanted to make sure the company wasn't involved with the home I was looking at. Thanks.

 

[Frothy]

Sorry I don't have time to answer all the PM's and if a moderator doesn't think this is acceptable they can remove.

There are three web sites relating to the companies concerned:

http://www.mousepadsorlando.com/homes/homes_2.asp (when you click any link it shows that it diverts to www.OrlandoLodgingCompany.com)

The third company is www.MaingateVacationRentals.com - again it diverts to Orlando Lodging Company. You'll note the Orlando Lodging Company web site is not working.

 

[tiggerplus5]

Thanks frothy for the info. This is good information for anyone looking to rent a vacation home.

 

[nemofanatic]

Please pm me too. We will be booking a condo soon.

thanks

 

[horseshowmom]

Please pm me too. We will be booking a condo soon.

thanks

See post #36

 

[shalom]

S
http://www.mousepadsorlando.com/homes/homes_2.asp (when you click any link it shows that it diverts to www.OrlandoLodgingCompany.com)

Interesting. The first one has a copyright of 2006, while Orlando Lodging Company has a copyright of 2010. I'm wondering if they bought someone out so they'd look more established (and maybe make use of that company's good name).