Vrbo?

[marlower]

Anyone use VRBO.com (vacation rentals by owners) for their L.A. vacation? I have found some pretty nice and reasonable homes on this site but have never done anything like that. Would love to hear your experiences! Thanks in advance

 

[eduk8r26]

I've used them the last 2 or 3 years to rent in San Diego. I've had no problems at all.

 

[Finding Gigi]

My parents have used Vrbo to find a rental in the So cal mountains and have had no problems.

 

[palpluto]

I recently rented a FL condo through vrbo. The owner was Irina Starobinsky who for some reason uses the email of Martin Littman. She cashed both my payment check and deposit check immediately, staing that she would return the $500 deposit within 2 weeks. That was 2 months ago. I have emailed and called multiple times. She initially said her accountant writes the checks and she would check on it. That was 5 weeks ago. She did not resond for a long time. I called both the home and cell number we had. (we did use these numbers and reach her before). She finally responded to an email saying she was out of the country and don't worry she will give me my money back when she returns. This makes no sense if her accountant writes the checks. She also says she has no phone access. I sent an email to vrbo a few days ago asking for assistance but have not had a response yet.
So, beware, and if anyone has any suggestions please post or pm me. I would greatly appreciate it. I have a very sick child and could really us my money as we travel out of state for his medical needs.

 

[marlower]

So sorry that you are dealing with that! I just rented through VRBO for a few days in Galveston,TX the end of this month. That will be my first time using them so I have no advice to give you. I was going to rent a home in L.A. for our July trip but not really sure on the neighborhoods, so I found a great deal at the Beverly Hilton instead. Good luck to you!!!

 

[bbixler1]

We've used vrbo a couple of time with no problems. I wonder if contacting the vrbo website management would help? Surely they have some safeguards in place?