VRBO - Advice

[Colestat]

I just discovered the VRBO (vacation rental by owner) website and found a home in Davenport for this summer at a great rate.

I am new at renting from an owner before (we have used a management company in the past)

I am a bit nervous sending a check to an owner in England. Has anyone rented directly from an owner before? How did it work out? What questions should I ask? How can I protect myself?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, how is Davenport? We have never stayed there before, always been in Kissimmee.

 

[wonderlandaddict]

We have used this site the last 3 years to find beach houses in the summer. We have had no problems and found wonderful prices. Sorry I don't know anything about Davenport.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Colestat
I am a bit nervous sending a check to an owner in England. Has anyone rented directly from an owner before? How did it work out? What questions should I ask? How can I protect myself?

We've rented direct from owners numerous times. It is perfectly safe. But you do need to do your homework.

What to ask? Find out what the cancellation policy is. You are not dealing with a big hotel chain that will let you call the day of arrival and cancel. Private home owners don't work that way.

Find out when final payment is due.

Find out exactly what is included in the price quoted. Are there any amenities you will be charged extra for, like pool heat, Internet access, phone service, etc.

Find out exactly what is provided and what you need to supply yourself: laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, etc.

Find out who the local management company is and check if they are members of the Central Florida Property Managers Association (CFPMA), Better Business Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce, etc. If they are not, it doesn't mean they aren't good, but if they are, that gives you a little more peace of mind.

Have a great trip.

Steve

 

[bunnymkc]

My stepdaughter lives in Davenport..it is right off the highway on 27 which reminds me of Sunrise Highway in LI..IT IS A DANGERROUS ROAD to cross as some roads turning left have no stop lights.so be very careful as the cars are coming very fast..it is nothing special..some stores and rest on that road and it is about 20 min from DW.any other ? please fell free to ask and I will try to answer them..Marianne

 

[Grand Canyon]

This will be our third year to use VRBO.
The first year was a family who lived in Florida. We talked with them via e-mail and on the phone and the check went directly to them.
Last year we corresponded and sent the check to the management company for a house owned by a family in England.
This year we're renting the same house for 5 weeks - but we've corresponded directly with the owner and they had us send the deposit check to their account at SunBank in Florida.

We've had no problems. As a matter of fact, we think renting homes from individuals is a much better deal than staying in a hotel.
It makes us feel kinda' good too because we feel like we're helping another individual.
If any one is considering staying two weeks or longer - this is the way to go.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Grand Canyon
If any one is considering staying two weeks or longer - this is the way to go.

I think its the way to go regardless of the length of stay. We were at Disney in November for 6 nites and stayed in a rental condo. There is nothing onsite that can compare to the amenities and convenience of a rental home.

Most homes do have a minimum stay, however, so if you're only there for a few days it may not be an option.

Steve