BPM

I've put down a deposit on a Hawaii condo and now proceeding to pay the balance, as my travel is just over a month away. The property was listed on HomeAway, and I've contacted the owner (also designated as property manager by HomeAway) by email and possibly by phone (not totally sure whether I just emailed or both discussed by phone with manager as well, as this was some time back) about deposit and payment arrangements, and was told to make initial deposit of $300 directly to B of America account which I did. The manager/owner confirmed receipt of deposit by email.

As I go to pay my balance, I got to thinking about how Airbnb does at least a cursory vetting of people listing property by actually calling the phone number they list and confirming email address. HomeAway does state that the person I'm dealing with has been a manager with HomeAway since 2006, which is of some value, but I was wondering if property managers go through any vetting similar to Airbnb.

BPM

Sorry, just notice my topic should read ...."are they vetted..." rather than "are the vetted"

nytraveler

I was not aware that Air BnB vetted anyone. Assume that like all lodging websites they just take the info provided by the owner.

Perhaps this is a new function?

BPM

Well, airbnb does verify phone # and email to persons setting up an account. I guess I was wondering if HomeAway even does that.

ChiSue

I don't know. We've advertised our Maui condo on VRBO for 12 year -- can't recall if they checked us out first. It's possible that someone here *knows* the property you've rented. Where is it? Is it a licensed vacation rental? You can probably check ownership with the county. Call the number in the ad to verify your reservation.

janisj

airbnb, vrbo, etc don't 'vet' owners.

BPM

Thanks; the question now, though, is does HomeAway call you at the phone number you list when you register, to confirm
a valid phone number, and email you to confirm valid phone number, prior to allowing you to register, as does airbnb?

BPM

Thanks; the question now, though, is does HomeAway call you at the phone number you list when you register, to confirm
a valid phone number, and email you to confirm valid phone number, prior to allowing you to register, as does airbnb?