VRBO payment question

[Jules123]

I posted this over on the Orlando Hotels board and didn’t get a lot of responses, so I thought I would try here. I am renting a condo that I found on VRBO this summer. The owner has asked for payment in one of three ways. First, she asked me to scan the front and back of my check and email it to her. She said this was the fastest and easiest way. The second way was a certified check from my bank and third, a money order. I am a little leery about sending a check via email because my email has been hacked before, BUT I would like to be able to keep track easily to see if my payment has been cashed. With a cashier’s check or money order, I’m not sure how you do that. Any advice?

 

[Malibustyle23]

I posted this over on the Orlando Hotels board and didnt get a lot of responses, so I thought I would try here. I am renting a condo that I found on VRBO this summer. The owner has asked for payment in one of three ways. First, she asked me to scan the front and back of my check and email it to her. She said this was the fastest and easiest way. The second way was a certified check from my bank and third, a money order. I am a little leery about sending a check via email because my email has been hacked before, BUT I would like to be able to keep track easily to see if my payment has been cashed. With a cashiers check or money order, Im not sure how you do that. Any advice?

Personally I don't like sending out my checking account info to many, since funds from my account were fraudulently taken out and used online by using an echeck. They have no idea who this company was and it would be very difficult to charge them. The bank said it would've actually been easier to track the transaction had they used my debit card instead. I also wouldn't of had to close my whole account then either. But anyways....

Im not sure that you can track that the payment was cashed but you could always send the money order/cashiers check so that it will only be delivered upon her signature.

 

[Kies99]

I agree with previous poster and would be leary of sending a personal check.

Send a money order or cashier's check with signature delivery. I'd also make sure to fill in the owners name and address on the actual check or money order. Don't send it blank.

That being said, the owner really ought to get a Paypal business account. Makes it quick, easy and secure on both ends. That's what my family does with our rental on VRBO.

 

[laurafergie]

I don't know how much you are invested emotionally in this rental, however...We rent condos and houses wherever we go due to the size of our family. The first requirement I have, is that online payments, like PayPal or credit cards are accepted and it is a deal breaker if they aren't. Otherwise you have no recourse if something goes wrong or the owner flakes out. JMHO

 

[sullins5]

Hmmm...we have a saying...If there's EVER any doubt, DON'T DO IT!

We've rented from VRBO probably the last 10 years. And have never had a problem. That being said though, we have our own requirements. First, that they take a credit card (so that we can be protected), and that we are sent information that can be checked. For instance, we have called a unit's management office, we have called a Realtor's office to see if they knew who owned the property, we have checked HOA listings. Normally, if a person owns a house or unit, you can often google the info, and see if there are reviews, if it's on TripAdvisor, or if someone has a complaint.
This last October, we found a condo we liked, dealt with the owner, called one of the different management offices that manage several units, and they indeed verified the owner. And we have ALWAYS had great stays! We even check their cancellation policies.
You should be able to verify the property, but once again, use your 'gut' on it. We actually had a rental we were going to pursue, but when we find no validation, we didn't pursue it....and felt fine about it! HTH's!

 

[Jules123]

She has good references on VRBO and I've verified the property ownership on the tax assessor's site. She said she was licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants too. I think I'll just think positive and send the certified check!

 

[sullins5]

She has good references on VRBO and I've verified the property ownership on the tax assessor's site. She said she was licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants too. I think I'll just think positive and send the certified check!

Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally I don't like sending out my checking account info to many, since funds from my account were fraudulently taken out and used online by using an echeck.

Your checking account info, including your checking account number, is printed on every check!

 

[Malibustyle23]

Your checking account info, including your checking account number, is printed on every check!

Yep it sure is and I rarely write checks out. The bank told me it is easier to trace, refund and prosecute the fraud if my debit card was targeted instead of my checking account number. While I know anybody could scam it at any business I am very leery about writing it out at most places. Especially since my bank went in and found a handful of others that had been targeted by this same scammer that month alone that had gone unnoticed by the account holders.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I didn't think Paypal allowed rental property payments.

 

[dougsmom98]

I have always paid by check and have never had a problem. That being said, if you are worried about it, I would try the money order. Here is a link to how you can track it.

http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/35068.aspx

 

[3boymthr]

The bank can tell you if the cashier's check has been cashed. Like a dollar bill, each cashier's check has a serial number. You should get a duplicate (carbon copy) of the check when you buy it. Keep this info and check with the bank about a week after you mail it and then every couple of days to see if it has been cashed. ETA - some of the more sophisticated banks may have an online system for checking to see if the bank has been cashed.

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't know how much you are invested emotionally in this rental, however...We rent condos and houses wherever we go due to the size of our family. The first requirement I have, is that online payments, like PayPal or credit cards are accepted and it is a deal breaker if they aren't. Otherwise you have no recourse if something goes wrong or the owner flakes out. JMHO

That's always been my perspective too. I think everyone who rents should have a Paypal account.

She has good references on VRBO and I've verified the property ownership on the tax assessor's site. She said she was licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants too. I think I'll just think positive and send the certified check!

I've rented through VRBO a lot and never had an issue. I've always required credit card acceptance. I did break my own rule Christmas when I rented a condo in Orange Beach, AL. I sent a check in that case and had no problems. I had extensive contact with them, and one of the sisters actually worked for a bank I was familiar with, but I still kind of felt like I was going out on a limb. Nonetheless, everything worked fine.

I didn't think Paypal allowed rental property payments.

I've used them several times for just that. If they have that policy, I wasn't aware of it (wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong ).

 

[homedad]

FWIW I've used VRBO in the states and the Caribbean for over 10 years and have sent checks and never had a problem

 

[3boymthr]

That's always been my perspective too. I think everyone who rents should have a Paypal account.

.

I'm shocked that some do. Let's face it a check (certified or otherwise) is free for the renter to accept vs. Paypal which takes 2.9% on domestic tranfers and 3.5% on international transfers. That's basically $30 in fees for every $1,000 in rental cost. Plus unless you go thru hoops and become a preferred vendor they have a maximum of $500 that can be transferred to your bank account every month unless you have a Paypal debit card - and it costs another 3.5% to transfer your money to that. Which means that unless you want to pay $65 to $70 for every thousand in rent you might never be able to access that money for what you need it for - paying the mortgage or taxes. I can absolutely see why a renter would not take Paypal.

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't think Paypal allowed rental property payments.

I've seen the exact wording from PayPal quoted on the boards, and you are correct. People think it protects you in case of trouble but once they find out its a rental they won't take your side.

 

[horseshowmom]

I'm shocked that some do. Let's face it a check (certified or otherwise) is free for the renter to accept vs. Paypal which takes 2.9% on domestic tranfers and 3.5% on international transfers. That's basically $30 in fees for every $1,000 in rental cost. Plus unless you go thru hoops and become a preferred vendor they have a maximum of $500 that can be transferred to your bank account every month unless you have a Paypal debit card - and it costs another 3.5% to transfer your money to that. Which means that unless you want to pay $65 to $70 for every thousand in rent you might never be able to access that money for what you need it for - paying the mortgage or taxes. I can absolutely see why a renter would not take Paypal.

I can see why they wouldn't, but I also think that it would potentially cost them renters. As a matter of rule, I won't rent from somebody who doesn't take credit cards. The simplest way of accepting credit cards for most people is through Paypal. On one occasion I paid the extra 3% to use the card because I view it as a form of insurance and does away with my having to worry about it.

I've seen the exact wording from PayPal quoted on the boards, and you are correct. People think it protects you in case of trouble but once they find out its a rental they won't take your side.

You're probably right about Paypal not taking your side. I guess my point is that I only use my credit card which is generally through Paypal. My credit card company is where I count on my protection from.